Have a fun and exciting cultural experience!
03/2022 - Sahar Saini
Flamenco was born in the south of Spain in the 18th century and was created by the fusion of cante, baile and toque—song, dance and musicianship. The vocals involve a seated man or woman running the gamut of feelings—joy, sadness, tragedy, fear, regret—through expressive yet simple lyrics. The dancers exude passion and courtship over a series of complex steps. Men tend to be heavier on their feet while women make more sensual movements.
Flamenco in Barcelona today continues to evolve through various interpretations, and some of the artists have even become celebrities! If you’d like to take a look on Youtube, you can start with guitarist Paco de Lucia and singer Camarón de la Isla. If you’re coming to Barcelona, you’ll be spoiled. The city’s thriving tourist economy brings the best flamenco dancers from all over the world. As usual, it’s hard to tell frauds from the real thing, so allow me to take your hand and give you some insights on the best flamenco you’ll find in Barcelona.
I started by asking some locals and friends where they thought the best flamenco show in Barcelona was, and the name that kept coming up was the Palacio del Flamenco. A group of six musicians take their seats at the back of the stage and begin to play for the dancers. Dancers come and go on stage, and in between the light shows, fantastic dresses, and amazing music, the crowd gets worked up into a fervour! The theatre offers three daily shows with different time slots at various price options. The one with a tapas dinner is highly recommended!
Gran Gala Flamenco—more than just a show. The show begins as soon as you take your first steps into the Catalan Music Palace. Show aside, this theatre itself is one of Barcelona’s top attractions. You’ll be blown away by the only naturally lit auditorium in Europe. The mosaics accompanying the flamenco and the ballerinas will make you jump with applause on your seats with their pirouettes.
Tablao Cordobes has been running since the 19th century and is a true testament to Barcelona’s golden age of entertainment. This venue is said to attract flamenco legends like Farruco, Camarón, Manuela Carrasco and more. Your tickets include a feast representing different regions of Spain and offering everything from a welcome cocktail, hand-carved Serrano ham and canapes to fish and meat courses—you name it!
El Patio Andaluz is a no-hassle flamenco dinner. This show is 40 years old, and though it takes place in Barcelona, you’ll be immersed in a replica of an Andalusian courtyard as you journey through the different genres of flamenco.
What about tickets?
Buying flamenco tickets online often brings you a discount of €10.00 on any ticket option, so I recommend buying online! Alternatively, most flamenco theatres' box offices open after dark, and there are often tickets available at the door—for a slightly higher price.