Flamenco in the heart of the Alhambra: the teatrillo of Hotel Alhambra Palace
Music has become a universal language to transmit sentiments, to show in another way what cannot be said by words. Flamenco, the result of a fusion of cultures, is a well-known genre that transcends generations, time and countries.
Known throughout the world, at the Hotel Alhambra Palace, flamenco makes its way into the heart of the Alhambra in its small theatre, where more than a century after its opening, singers and dancers continue to tap their feet to the rhythm of bulerias and soleás.
TEATRILLO OF HOTEL ALHAMBRA PALACE
You go inside the teatrillo of the Hotel Alhambra Palace and you feel an unspeakable sensation. You close your eyes and you can see Federico Garcia Lorca chatting with Manuel de Falla. You can imagine Margarita Xirgu talking with intellectuals and artists of the time.
The salon has been the main venue for parties and celebrations for more than 114 years, a place that has marked a before and after in the cultural and cultural agenda of the people of Granada.
Still today, next to the Alhambra, the theatre of the Alhambra Palace Hotel continues to be the scene for celebrating flamenco. So much so that the Grammy Academy selected this hall for the recording of the Grammy Flamenco 2023, along with other enclaves of the city such as the Alhambra. The small theatre of the Alhambra Palace Hotel, went around the world through this event so important for the music scene that only shows that flamenco is more alive than ever.
INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE OF HUMANITY
Flamenco is not only music and a form of expression, but it has also been declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity since 2010. This expression of the Andalusian feeling makes it unique. Thus, a hotel like ours, could not forget this element so characteristic of the Andalusian people, and the theatre of the Hotel Alhambra Palace, has hosted for more than 114 years the purest flamenco of the city of Granada.
ORIGIN OF FLAMENCO
Andalusia is the cradle of flamenco. Although its origin and dating have different theories, what they have in common is that it is the result of the mixture of cultures around the 16th century; before the gypsies reached Andalusia, there were already the Jewish salmódiales, the Muslim songs and the Mozarabic songs. Flamenco was born from the people and its roots are folkloric, becoming an indisputable art.
In 1922, the flamenco singing contest of Granada was also born in the Plaza de los Aljibes of the Alhambra, being the first nationally organised event of cante Jondo. Since then, this unparalleled milestone in the history of flamenco has attracted interest at all artistic levels.
Flamenco started to be performed in theatres and small theatres, as well as in other crowded places. This is how flamenco has come down to the present day.
FLAMENCO TURNED ART
The Sacromonte neighbourhood has a lot to teach you about the art of flamenco. The flamenco tradition in Granada has its origins in the Zambras, which were formerly Moorish festivals held in the caves of the surrounding area. The origin of the word Zambra comes from the Arabic zamra (flute) or classical Arabic zamara (musicians).
A flamenco show in Granada is one of the most authentic and local experiences of our culture. Be sure to visit the theatrette of Hotel Alhambra Palace and book your show with us!