Declared as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2010, this traditional and avant-garde dance is a key attribute of Andalusia and its way of feeling.

A bit of history

The flamenco is the product of a mix of different cultures that have lived in Andalusia through the centuries. Its main outlets are songs, dance and instruments, plus fundamental elements like the Spanish guitar, the ‘cajón’ box drum and the sound of hand-clapping. 

It became popular around the 18th century, when some of the different styles were created, with some of them being played even nowadays. With its fame, many popular singing cafes started popping up, with the audience becoming the singers. At the end of the 19th century, the flamenco was an art known across all Andalusia, with singers like Juan Breva from Málaga, one of the most iconic ‘cantaores’ (flamenco singers’, becoming very popular. At the beginning of the 20th century, some other big names like ‘La Niña de los Peines’ or Pepe Pinto came into the scene.

Manolo Caracol, Lola Flores, Pepe Marchena, Juan Valderrama, and many others came around mid-century, as well as guitarist ‘Niño Ricardo’, a referent for the famous artists Paco de Lucía, Manolo Sanlúcar or Paco Cepero.

From the end of the 20th century, we have to mention names like the singer ‘Camarón de la Isla’, Fosforito and Enrique Morente. Nowadays, flamenco is still very popular, exploring new music genres and mixing with different styles,

Museum of The Flamenco Art

All tourists arriving in Málaga look to witness this artistic expression, a great treasure that has its headquarters at The Flamenco Art Museum of the Peña Juan Breva. Here they hold more than 5.000 sound archives, more than 2.500 CDs that date back to the 19th century, visuals, digital images, posters, Manila shawls, tailed gowns, art and unique pieces that show flamenco in all of its stages.

On the first floor you can discover paintings done in different techniques and styles that reflect the life of flamenco artist, personalities of famous venues. The terracotta figurines are the perfect visual examples of the attires and accessories of flamenco dancers. In the same way, there are sculptures that represent the classic flamenco gatherings, with ‘cantaores’ (singers), ‘bailaores’ (dancers), guitarists and clappers. There’s also a space that pays tribute to the Chinitas Café, a popular spot in the 19th century for flamenco enthusiasts. On the second floor there is the department of investigation and archives of the museum.

In the museum there’s also a space dedicated to showcasing guitars. Some of them have more than two centuries, as Juan Breva, for whom the space has the name, was a famous player.

The basement level is destined to the development of activities from the Peña Juan Breva. Founded in 1958, it's one of the oldest ones in Spain. This venue organizes presentations, singing, playing and dancing gatherings, all around a centered ‘tablao’ stage. Located on the ground floor is the main reception and a  bar where you can taste traditional dishes.

City Activities

Flamenco is present all year around in Málaga through different activities, like the Municipal Class of Flamenco, a number of classes that gives a stage to young talent, local artists, and bigger names. ‘Flamenco lo serás tú’, the Flamenco Festival of Málaga, takes place on the first days of June, gathering hundreds of artists, musicians, singers and clappers.

The Terral Festival has had a flamenco round since 2015. In addition to having headliner artists and young talent, it has on its agenda a great number of activities like exhibitions, concerts, courses and free classes that promote this art.

On the Feria de Málaga, flamenco is played on the street and the fair tents for more than a week. There 's even a special fair tent dedicated exclusively to it, the Caseta Municipal del Flamenco y la Copla. You can also experience this art in the old town during this week, especially in the previously mentioned Peña Juan Breva.

Where to watch flamenco shows in Málaga

Here you can find all the venues where you can experience flamenco shows in Málaga:

KELIPÉ CENTRO DE ARTE FLAMENCO
Opening Hours: From 19:30 hrs
Thursday/Friday/Saturday/ Sunday 20:00h
Entry 30€ with one drink
C/ Muro de Puerta Nueva, nº 10.
Tel. (+34) 665 09 73 59
www.kelipe.net
E-mail: kelipe@kelipe.net

ALEGRÍA FLAMENCO & GASTRONOMÍA
Opening Hours:  17:30, 20:45; 22.30 (Monday to Sunday) (to eat, 18:30 / 21:00)
C/ Vélez Málaga, 6 29016 Málaga
Tel: (+34) 951 47 44 93
Email: info@flamencomalaga.com
Web: www.flamencomalaga.com

TABLAO FLAMENCO LOS AMAYAS
Opening Hours: Every day at 19 and 21h
C/ Beatas, 21 – Málaga
www.flamencomalagacentro.com
info@flamencomalagacentro.com
Tel: (+34) 686 936 804 / (+34) 636 575 125

PEÑA JUAN BREVA
Opening Hours: By booking only, call at (+34) 952 22 13 80 or (+34) 687 607 526. 
Shows Thursday and Saturday
C/ Ramón Franquelo, 4. Málaga.

JALEO FLAMENCO
Opening Hours:: 17:00 h depending on availability.
MIMMA (Interactive Museum of Malaga's Music)
C/ Beatas, 15. 29008,  Málaga.
Tel: (+34) 952 21 04 40 / (+34) 622 377 513

RESTAURANTE VINO MIO
Opening Hours: Flamenco show every day from 20:00 to 21:00. Closed Monday and Tuesday.
Plaza Jerónimo Cuervo 2. 29012 Málaga (In front of Cervantes Theatre)
Telf: (+34) 952 60 90 93
reservas@restaurantevinomio.es
https://restaurantevinomio.es/que-ofrecemos/#flamenco