{"id":148,"date":"2018-05-24T09:00:56","date_gmt":"2018-05-24T09:00:56","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.malagaweb.com\/blog\/costa-del-sol\/holidays-162\/"},"modified":"2024-08-08T12:59:41","modified_gmt":"2024-08-08T12:59:41","slug":"flamenco-andalusian-folklore","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.malagaweb.com\/blog\/andalucia\/flamenco-andalusian-folklore\/","title":{"rendered":"All you need to know about Flamenco, Verdiales and Andalusian folklore"},"content":{"rendered":"

Are you wondering about the roots and home of Flamenco, Verdiales, the origin of the Andalusian folklore or where to enjoy a good performance in Malaga? We will learn a little about its history and roots and finally I will recommend events and places where you can enjoy a good show.<\/p>\n

I advance you that is very interesting how the passage of the centuries has shaped current customs by taking elements from different civilizations.<\/p>\n

Flamenco, declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, has diffuse origins the further back we go.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

What is Flamenco?<\/h2>\n

Flamenco is a form of artistic expression through dance, music and singing. There are different forms of Flamenco that affect singing or dancing, with a type of lyrics and music that makes each one unique.<\/p>\n

Flamenco is an exercise that brings physical and mental improvements; a dance in which feelings and emotions are expressed, we could say that it is a scenic artistic genre unlike Andalusian folklore.<\/p>\n

\"Flamenco
Emotions are a fundamental part of Flamenco.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Depending on several factors, including geographical area of origin, they may be referred to by different names, each with its own specific characteristics. Some of the most popular are the Andalusian copla, fandango, jota flamenca, malague\u00f1a, sevillana, tango or verdiales, although there are many more. Within each one there can also be different styles, the diversity becomes huge.<\/p>\n

Those interested can learn Flamenco in many of the schools that offer classes for different styles.<\/p>\n

Origin of Flamenco, Verdiales and Andalusian folklore<\/h2>\n

Flamenco, declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, has diffuse origins the further back we go. It seems clear that the gypsy ethnic group preserved and adapted it, although it was not their own creation but rather a transformation of Andalusian folklore.<\/p>\n

Some erroneously attribute the origin of flamenco to the Moorish reign in Andalusia; its origin if we look for its roots is much older and can only be understood as a fusion of cultures throughout the centuries that has managed to get to our days. It is likely that it will even include influences from the Indian subcontinent, the original place of the Gypsy people.<\/p>\n

What could at first have been a Greek, Roman or even Egyptian artistic expression has ended up branching out into the different folkloric expressions that can be found today in Andalusia.<\/p>\n

\"Origin<\/p>\n

Searching for the roots<\/h3>\n

If we try to trace the roots of the Verdiales (typical Malaga dance), we go back to a remote past. From the mysterious Minoan civilization of Crete and its dances with flower hats in honour of fertility, to the Greek or Roman civilization and the description we find of its artistic manifestations, singing forms and musical instruments; there are many elements in common with the Malaga folklore of today.<\/p>\n

\"Verdiales
The same dishes, tambourine and even flower hats are still used as you can see in the picture.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Phoenicians, Greeks and Romans sowed the seed that would grow alongside the Iberian culture, with its dances and songs. From this seed, and after the passing of the centuries, Flamenco would sprout, the fruit of Andalusian folklore.<\/p>\n

\"Verdiales
Left dancing Verdiales, right Malague\u00f1as; similar and with the same roots but different.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I leave for another time the history of Flamenco from the 18th century onwards and how it has evolved to the present day, if you are interested. I would like to point out that the Triana neighbourhood in Seville<\/a> is historically considered one of the centres of Flamenco.<\/p>\n

Folklore performances and events in Malaga<\/h2>\n

Many of the events throughout the year in Malaga or Andalusia usually include popular performances and dances.<\/p>\n

Some ancient celebrations, although unknown, take place in rural farmhouses or hermitages and are highly recommended.<\/p>\n

Verdiales Day in Torremolinos<\/h3>\n

It is a festive day in the outskirts of Torremolinos, specifically in the Pinar de los Manantiales. The place is an extensive green area with numerous pine forests and a total of four springs, considered the lung of Torremolinos. It is a very popular recreational area, where many families enjoy barbecues in the shade of the trees and there are water fountains.<\/p>\n

There is a tasting of typical dishes. It’s worth coming out and enjoying the local folklore outdoors with food and drink at popular prices!<\/p>\n