Jerez, an hour and a half by train from Seville, is well-known by Formula One enthusiasts. However, few, apart from flamenco lovers, are aware that the small town also hosts the much-awaited Flamenco Festival.
During the end of February and the beginning of March each year, Jerez hosts hundreds of flamenco students and teachers from all over the world who participate in the classes given by renowned Spanish dancers. Classes are held in the morning and in the afternoon while the evenings and late nights are dedicated to the performances in Jerez's Teatro Villamarta and in the various penas around the town.
The Festival is a unique way to become familiar with and to witness first hand the true flamenco spirit in the heart of Andalucia and to see some of the best artists in the industry perform live. This year's courses (given in Basic, Intermediate and Advanced Levels) will be given by, among others, Inmaculada Aguilar, Pilar Ogalla, Angelita Gomez, Angel Munoz, Sonya Clavijo, Maria del Mar Moreno, Mercedes Ruiz, Manolo Marin, Javier LaTorre and Isabel Bayon.
This year's performers will include the Ballet Flamenco de Andalucia, Farruquito, Antonio Canales, Campania Maria del Mar Moreno, Compania Rafaela Carrasco, Compania Belen Maya and Matilde Coral. Such a cluster of flamenco living legends is hard to come by on a normal visit to the Iberian Peninsula. What's more, I can say from personal experience that these artists are very approachable and willing to speak to their fans, take photographs with them, and sometimes even have a drink at the local tablao.
For flamenco aficionados and for those who like to go beyond the tourist side of Spain and delve into the heart of its spirit and dancing, the Festival of Jerez is a unique opportunity afforded by the nature of the event, the small size and enchanting atmosphere of the venue.
For more information, visit the official website: http://www.festivaldejerez.es
Book a cheap holiday in Jerez: http://mundoideal.traverustravel.com
TIPS: 5 Things to do in Jerez de la Frontera
- Have a chocolate con churros in the Plaza at one of the bars.
- Indulge in a flamenco dress or some of the beautiful earrings, shawls or other accessories.
- Wake up early and go to the market to hear the vendors singing while they open their stalls. It's magic!
- Visit one of the penas late at night - it's just you and the locals and lots of flamenco music and singing.
- Visit the Alcazar, the beautiful Moorish castle.
