(headline image: Vanesa Beltrán together with Zahara de los Atunes representatives)
Francisco Pacheco Rivera, known as ‘El Viejo,’ owned a tavern in Zahara de los Atunes, southern Spain, where flamenco enthusiasts gathered. Although he never pursued a professional career, he was renowned in the community for his deep knowledge of flamenco and its various styles. In his memory, and at the request of his family, the Zahara de los Atunes flamenco festival is named after him. The sixth edition of this festival will take place on August 23, 2024, with support from the Cádiz Provincial Council, the Andalusian Institute of Flamenco, and the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sports of the Junta de Andalucía.
Vanesa Beltrán, the Culture Deputy, encouraged the public to attend this well-established summer event, held at the “privileged” location of the Palacio de Pilas. This 15th-century building has served as a palace, castle, and tuna processing facility.
Beltrán emphasized the Provincial Culture Foundation’s ongoing commitment to flamenco as an artistic symbol of Cádiz, a boost to tourism, and a source of employment and wealth. She highlighted the importance of the Provincial Council’s support for promoting flamenco culture through various recitals and events across the province, particularly in small communities with limited resources.
Agustín Conejo, President of the local autonomous entity, underscored the strong passion for flamenco in Zahara de los Atunes. The town organizes numerous flamenco-related activities throughout the year, including flamenco zambombas at Christmas, special performances on significant local dates, and an International Flamenco Day program, in addition to the Pacheco El Viejo Festival. He stressed the importance of maintaining and expanding this cultural enthusiasm with quality activities that attract public interest, a goal supported by the Provincial Council.
Antonio Conejo, the Tourism and Festivals Councilor of Zahara de los Atunes, detailed the festival lineup. Up to 350 attendees can enjoy performances by singers Enrique El Extremeño and La Tana, guitarists Antonio Santiago Ñoño, El Perla, and Juanjo Benjumea, and dancer Manuela Carrasco Hija in one of the Palacio de Pilas’ courtyards. This year’s festival will conclude with a performance by Luis Peña and Javier Heredia. As is tradition, a local flamenco enthusiast is invited to showcase their talent; this year, it will be Fernando Manzorro.
The VI Festival de Flamenco Pacheco El Viejo will take place on Friday, August 23, starting at 10:30 PM. Tickets can be purchased in person at the Zahara de los Atunes Tourist Office and online at tickentradas.com.
Artists such as Jesús Méndez, Mara Rey, Antonio Reyes, Pedro El Granaíno, and Juan Villar have performed at this festival since its inception in 2017.
Author: World Music Central News Room
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