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Flamenco facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Grupo Texera de Musica espanola en Maracaibo
A flamenco group. Singer sits on hollow box (cajón) which he taps with his hands.
Wuppertal - Aue 09 ies
Gives quite a good idea of the man's costume.
Belen maya
Belén Maya - Famous dancer

Flamenco is a style of entertainment with song, music and dance. It is very popular in Spain and is known worldwide. Its foundation is in Andalusia in Spain. In its evolution Andalusian Gypsies played an important part. The term 'flamenco' was first recorded in the late 18th century but many believe the art form is much older.

Flamenco has acoustic guitar music, singing, hand claps, heel stamps, castanets. It is danced by a man and a woman in traditional Spanish costumes. The dance has no set tempo. It may have both fast and slow passages, rising to a climax near the end.

Flamenco performance has evolved during the history of this musical genre. In the beginning (the 18th century at the latest), songs were sung without any guitar accompaniment. During the 19th century, the guitar was used to accompany songs. Since the second half of the 19th century, the solo guitar is played in flamenco concerts.

On November 16, 2010, UNESCO declared Flamenco one of the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

Related pages

Examples of flamenco:

  • Traditional flamenco [1]
  • Traditional flamenco by José Greco [2]
  • Notable for the voice and guitar as well as the dance by Sara Barras [3]
  • Ramon Ruiz group [4]
Corral de la Morería 2
Notice the fan, and the heels.


Images for kids

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Flamenco para niños

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Flamenco Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.