Best Flamenco Show in Madrid: Experience Authentic Dance at Essential Tablao

Flamenco in Madrid

Flamenco is an artistic genre born in southern Spain and developed throughout the country. Like bulls, wine, and paella, it is strongly associated with the country. Everybody has at least once heard the word flamenco and knows that it is something about the dance, although it is much more than that.

Flamenco is an artistic genre combining music, chant, dance, traditional costumes, and poetry. When it first appeared as a phenomenon, it was a sad, soul-tearing verse accompanied by various musical instruments: guitar, Cajon, flute, violin, castanets, and other percussion instruments, along with handclapping and dancing.

Today, flamenco has changed, evolving from a popular way of expressing feelings to a breathtaking show that attracts tourist attention nationwide.

Flamenco in Spain: Cultural Roots

The birthplace of flamenco is Andalusia, the southern region of Spain, specifically around Cadiz, Jerez de la Frontera and Sevilla. Flamenco, which we know today, consisting of chanting, dancing and music, first appeared in the 18th century. There are different opinions about the origins of flamenco. Still, most likely, flamenco is a blend of popular cultures, first of all, gypsy, but with influences from Arabic and Jewish traditions.

Muslims, Gypsies and Jewish all played an essential part in the history of the Iberic peninsula, but by the 18th century, most of these people were oppressed and had to fight daily for their lives. Their poetry has sadness, pain, rage, and passion in the dance. They mainly were singing about love, hope, and loss. The instruments that were used in flamenco were the traditional gypsy guitar and percussion brought to Spain by the enslaved Africans.

The etymology of the word flamenco also remains to be determined. The critical version says that this is the word that was utilised for gypsies. However, another hypothesis claims that the dancers' body movements, costumes, and grace in this genre are similar to those of the gorgeous flamenco birds. Another statement declares that flamenco came from Flanders at the time of Charles V, and its origins gave birth to the name. And finally, the last version is the Andalusian expression "fellah min guest ard", used for the landless peasant.

Flamenco's Evolution and Its Place in Modern Madrid

In the 19th century, flamenco culture took over the stage of the singing cafes, the venues where spectators could drink and watch the show. This is when the professional singers (cantaores) started to appear. On the stage of the singing cafes, non gypsy signers could learn to sing gypsy songs, while gypsies amplified their repertory with their interpretation of the local folklore.

This is when a part of Spanish society adopted flamenco as a symbol of national "spontaneity" and "passion." It also started blending with other music styles, shaping new styles, such as tanguillos, zapateados, and flamenco boleros.

By the end of the 19th century, a group called Generation 98 adopted a strong protest movement against flamenco art. According to this group of writers, essayists, and poets, flamenco and bullfighting were the reasons for all of Spain's ills.

In the 1920s, flamenco shows migrated to bigger stages, such as bull arenas and theatres, under flamenco opera. That was mostly a financial strategy, given that opera only paid 3% of taxes against 10% tributed by the other artistic shows. The period of the Flamenco Opera was a time of creativity, the Golden Age of the genre, which formed most of the repertory.

In the second part of the 20th century, flamenco underwent more modifications, with the contribution of some great artists, such as Camarón de la Isla, Paco de Lucía, and Tomatito. Flamenco acquired the features of other music styles, such as jazz, Latin music, or rock, forming a "new flamenco," a fusion of different styles and genres.

Why Madrid is a Top Destination for Flamenco Shows

Today, flamenco is played all over Spain, with Madrid being a central hub for the most significant artists and best tablaos. Even though the homeland of flamenco is still the South of Spain, Madrid has many more opportunities to promote this style globally.

Madrid is home to the best tablaos (flamenco theatres) and a city where many great artists reside or perform. Madrid also hosts more significant events like the "Festival de Flamenco de Madrid" and "Suma Flamenca." The city of Madrid considers flamenco its cultural heritage, which is why flamenco theatres and artists have full support and the possibility to develop.

Essential Tablao: A Unique Flamenco Experience

Madrid is home to many flamenco theatres. One of the best is Essential Tablao. This theatre is known for its authentic style, cosy atmosphere, great artists, and beautiful performances.

What Makes Essential Flamenco Stand Out

Essential Tablao is a place to go if you want to experience authentic flamenco with the best artists. The troupe includes young but bright artists as well as experienced musicians. Some are initially from the South of Spain, while others were born and raised outside the country.

Another unique feature is the small space and intimate lighting. The public feels like they are part of the show while sitting close to the artists and listening to their live performances. There are no microphones, only natural live sound amplified by the stone walls of the tablao.

Intimate Performances at Essential Tablao Flamenco Madrid

Essential Tablao houses three shows daily, and each ticket includes a drink. The space looks like an authentic tablao, with intimate light and a small room without space between the spectators and the artists.

No food is served because Essential Tablao prefers to respect the artists and allow the public to enjoy the show better. There are no microphones because, without the extension, the sound feels more alive and natural.

The visitor feels part of the show, closely connected to the musicians. Light and acoustics enhance emotions and make the hearts beat stronger while the visitors watch the artists tapping the rhythm with their heels.

The show consists of dance performed by men and women in traditional clothes, music played on different instruments, and chants. Among the artists, there are always those who clap their hands and encourage the dancers with whistling and "ole" shouts.

Another curious part of the show is when the artists call the visitors to the stage. The bravest, who accept the invitation, mount the stage and get to perform a couple of dancing steps with the troupe. This is a funny experience that people love and appreciate, and depending on how many drinks you had before the show, you might end up on the stage dancing with the artists.

Plan Your Flamenco Experience in Madrid

If you visit Madrid for the first time, a flamenco show has to be on your to-do list. Flamenco is one of the most important parts of Spanish culture and must be studied and experienced. Besides, it is a very emotional experience that will add passion and intensity to your trip.

Flamenco usually takes place in the evening. Some tablaos offer dinner or tapas, while others only show and drink.

Essential Flamenco features three daily shows: First Pass starts at 6:00 p.m., second at 7:30 p.m., and the last pass at 9:00 p.m.

This tablao only offers drinks with the show because, according to the organisers, it helps to experience the show better.

How to Buy Tickets for Essential Flamenco Madrid

Please check out our product section and choose your best deal. Shows are available daily, so you must choose the date and time. The tickets must be paid in advance, and the rate can usually be cancelled 24 hours before the show. Check for the cancellation policy before you book your tickets.

The entrance includes:

• Access to the Essential Flamenco experience
• Fast access without queues
• Introductory talk
• Souvenir postcard
• One drink

There is an adult rate for those over 12 years and a kids rate for children, which includes everything but the drink.

Essential Flamenco Show Times and Availability

There is a show every day of the week

• The first pass at 6:00 p.m.
• Second at 7:30 p.m.
• And the third pass at 9:00 p.m.

The demand is much higher in summer and spring, while tickets are always available in autumn and winter. Make sure you book your ticket in advance to secure the entrance.

Best Time to Attend a Flamenco Show in Madrid

If you can choose, it is always better to choose a weekday instead of a weekend or public holiday. There are usually fewer people attending the show.

The same applies to the high season when Madrid is full of tourists. If you visit Madrid in Summer, you will most likely encounter crowds attending the show. Winter and fall are usually calmer, and there are fewer people, although you'd better check the calendar for any particular dates or public holidays.

If you can not choose your date of visit, choose the latest pass. There are usually fewer people for the third evening show.

How to Reach Essential Tablao Flamenco in Madrid

Essential Flamenco is located at Calle de la Cruz 26, in the heart of Madrid, just a short walk from the central squares Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor.

Metro: Take the underground to the nearest station, Sol, which is served by lines 1, 2, and 3. Bus: Several buses stop near Puerta del Sol.

There are few parking spaces in the city centre, and getting to Essential Tablao by car can be challenging. So, if possible, you'd better use public transportation.