(headline image: Juan Manuel del Rey receiving the award)
The Madrid Flamenco Tablaos Association, driven by the passion and tradition of flamenco, encompasses all the tablaos (flamenco venues) in Spain’s capital. Since its inception, the association’s primary goal has been to unify and enhance the visibility of Madrid’s tablaos. It works to preserve and promote flamenco and to strengthen the unique spaces where this art form thrives in its most authentic form.
During its 63rd edition, the International Festival of Cante de las Minas awarded the ‘Pencho Cros’ prize to the Madrid Flamenco Tablaos Association, acknowledging the cultural value and social impact of these venues. Thanks to their dedication, Madrid’s tablaos continue to be vital guardians of Spanish culture, ensuring that this artistic heritage is passed on to future generations.
Juan Manuel del Rey, president of the association, received the award in La Unión, highlighting the tablaos as “the R&D centers of flamenco; artistic research laboratories where great artists evolve this art and share their knowledge.” He further emphasized that the stability provided by these tablaos has enabled artists to flourish and sustain their careers, stating, “Where once artists struggled to survive, these tablaos now foster exceptional talent that can make a living from their art.” Thus, the tablaos are crucial for developing new talent. “They have hosted the most important artists and notable figures, contributing to the cultural history of Madrid, flamenco, and the world over the past seven decades,” said del Rey.
Joaquín Zapata, president of the Cante de las Minas Foundation and mayor of La Unión, praised the adaptability of these tablaos. He described them as “the longest-standing stage for developing this art, integrating high-quality gastronomy, and serving as cultural epicenters that define and attract visitors to Spain.”
Author: World Music Central News Room
World music news from the editors at World Music Central