For 25 years during the month of June, the romantic lure of flamenco has drawn artists and visitors from across the globe to Albuquerque, which is known as the center for flamenco in the United States. “I’ve realized this is one of the most important festivals in the world because of their tradition, their respect, and the love they have toward flamenco,” said José Maya, a past festival artist.
The spectacular Festival Flamenco exposes arts patrons and students to over 50 of the most highly revered flamenco artists in the world. These talented artists have traveled the world performing on stages in Sevilla, Paris, New York and Tokyo. Past festival artists include: Antonio Canales, members of the Amaya family dynasty and the Farruco family.
During the festival, the public is invited to see impressive evening performances each night. In addition, the master artists teach more than 30 workshops covering a range of flamenco practicum-related topics for novice, professional and everyone in between. For those new to flamenco, a beginner’s workshop includes basic components of the art form; and for the more serious student, a variety of advanced and special topics courses are available for enrollment.
Festival Flamenco is internationally recognized as the most comprehensive aesthetic and educational platform, for its presentation of cutting edge performers, academic research symposia and youth programming during Flamenco Kid’s Camp.
New Mexico is comprised of a blend of cultural influences with rich history and Spanish ancestry. Culture and heritage events and attractions such as this festival are among the most popular reasons to visit Albuquerque, which was recently recognized as one of “15 Destinations on the Rise” by www.TripAdvisor.com and is one of Hotwire.com’s 2012 best value cities.
The 2012 festival will be part of the Savor Albuquerque festival, showcasing arts, culture and cuisine. For more information about the 25th anniversary celebration of Festival Flamenco, visit www.ffi25.org.