Flamenco

There are a few things that one traditionally thinks of when one thinks of Spain; bullfights and the matadors, beautifully colored tiles on everything, and flamenco dancers with wonderful guitarist. Bullfighting season is in the spring so that was something we didn’t get to see this time. We hear it is a real art form. The tiles are beautiful beyond what we can describe and we’ve thought of a hundred ways to remodel the whole house and yard to use all the tiles we’ve seen and fallen in love with. We did get to go to a Flamenco show last night in the town of Jerez de la Fontera. We had considered going while in Madrid but were told by the locals that these shows were “too commercial”. To really appreciate the history of Flamenco and Spain you needed to see an authentic show. These “shows” usually consist of a guitarist, a singer and dancers. It can be 2-6 people and is often a family group. Here is the advertisement for the group we went to see.

“Parrilla’s Family has been for a long time full of artists. Beginning with the mythic singer Manuel Torres, following from Antonio Frijones, Uncle Juanichi “El Manijero”, Uncle Parilla of Jerez fromwich comes Parilla of Jerez awarded National guitar price in 1973. Ana Parilla exquisist dancer and Juan Parilla fundador.” With an advertisement like that who could refuse?

The show and dinner began at 10:30 at night so we had an easy day in preparation for the late night. We drove through the cobblestone streets and past the plaza and church and parked on a quiet little street in the middle of nowhere. The only sound was music coming from down the street so we followed the sound until we found the bodega we were looking for. We felt as if we had gone back in time at least a hundred years. It looked like an old Spanish saloon and we were seated at a wooden table with wooden chairs. We had some sangria and tapas until our dinner arrived. There was

an eclectic group of people gathered waiting for the show to begin. As it was a family group their families were present; from babies on up. It was so fun to watch. They are very serious about this and it easy to feel the intensity of the performers. Our friend Luis from the Minerva said that the music originated during the Moorish times and that the poor and working Spain used this as cadence for manual work.

For example, as one hit the olive branches to dislodge the olives from the trees, they would do it to the beat of Flamenco. And, there is always a love story involved when the singers participate. They are very serious about this cultural event and we

appreciated their dedication to this art form.

We arrived home at about 1:00 in the morning happy to have been a part of Spanish culture. It really is one of those things you need to see in order to appreciate fully.

We are still in Cadiz enjoying unusually warm weather. We hear a rainstorm is approaching and we are snug and secure no matter what. Our plan is to be here about a week and then start home. We think of you each and every time we see or do something wonderful, wishing you were here to share it with us! Instead we will have to bore you with a million stories and some funny pictures! See you soon.