Flamenco dance originated in the south of Spain, in Andalusia province. It is a part of the folklore of Gitanos, Spain’s native traveler ethnic group, and it is believed it started in the 18th century. It is a very passionate and powerful dance of men and women, performed with the sound of flamenco guitars, rhythmic clapping of the accompanied band, and songs sung by one or more performers.
Lyrics of flamenco dance songs vary, depending on the mood of the performers and singers, and can go from love and jovial songs to sad and desperate songs of anguish and pain.
Barcelona is not actually the place where flamenco dance originated, but there are several very good places where you can enjoy flamenco dance, music, and songs. Places, where flamenco is performed, are called tablaos (tables). Here are the top five flamenco tablaos in Barcelona.
1. Tablao Flamenco Cordobes
Opened in 1970, this place is the most popular tablao in Barcelona. Located in the popular La Rambla, it is easy to find and enjoy professional performances. It is famous for providing unplugged performances with a very authentic sound and feel of flamenco. The ambiance of the venue is also very authentic, as it was built and designed in the style of Alhambra.
There are separate rooms for dinner and performance, and, as a visitor, you can choose the option with dinner and performance or only performance, although if you have a combo, you will get better seats to watch the show. The performance lasts up to 1.5 hours, which is more than enough to get acquainted with the unique style of music and dance (if you never experienced it live) and enjoy the show to the fullest.
Address: La Rambla, 35, Barcelona
Phone: +34 933 17 57 11
Website: https://tablaocordobes.es/
2. Tablao de Carmen
This venue is located in Poble Espanyol, an authentic model village, built originally for a 1929 exhibition. Features authentic look and feel, with an intimate setting for drinks and dinner with flamenco dance performers immediately next to guests. The style is authentic Andalusian. The entry for the show is also entry to the village, where you can walk around and enjoy the genuine atmosphere.
The show lasts approximately 1.5 hours, immediately after the dinner, which is served in several courses and with a selection of drinks.
Address: Poble Espanyol de Montjuïc, Av. Francesc Ferrer i Guàrdia, 13
Phone: +34 933 25 68 95
Website: https://www.tablaodecarmen.com/en/
3. Los Tarantos
One of the oldest flamenco venues in Barcelona, dating back to 1963, Los Tarantos has undergone several renovations through the decades and now it has lost its authentic looks, but the music and performances are still very much authentic and enjoyable.
This venue has a different format for shows, you can enter by just paying an entry ticket, which is around $22, or buy a ticket with drinks, with drinks and dinner, or even a ticket for the flamenco workshop, which starts earlier in the evening, With flamenco workshop, you will have opportunity to learn about flamenco and try and dance with a professional flamenco dance teacher.
Address: Plaça Reial, 17, Barcelona
Phone: +34 933 191 789
Website: https://tarantosbarcelona.com/
4. The Palacio del Flamenco
The largest flamenco dance venue in Barcelona, located in the vibrant Eixample district, Palacio del Flamenco offers a somewhat sophisticated flamenco experience as the sound is amplified with speakers (due to venue size, of course), but the atmosphere is still very friendly and enjoyable. It features a central elevated stage for an entire audience to enjoy the performance.
The venue provides regular performances and concerts, together with dinner and drinks served. There are also flamenco classes available, both individually and for groups.
There are three shows per night and each show features 16 different artists who perform various flamenco styles. There is an option for VIP events with a special menu and drinks served.
Address: Carrer de Balmes, 139
Phone: +34 93 218 72 37
Website: https://www.palaciodelflamenco.com/
5. Robadors 23
This is a bit of a hidden gem, as it is located off the beaten path location, in El Raval and it is not exclusively a flamenco dance venue. There are jazz performances as well. It is popular with locals who like an intimate and genuine flamenco atmosphere and if you happen to attend any of the flamenco shows you will surely enjoy it!
The venue features different artists regularly and shows are vastly different from night to night, so this is one of the reasons to keep coming back to this place.
Address: Carrer d’En Robador, 23
Website: https://23robadors.wordpress.com/
Conclusion
There are plenty of places to enjoy flamenco dance in Barcelona (and in Spain in general, of course) and these five are recommended by us. We will explore more places and update the list soon. This shouldn’t be a problem since Barcelona has dozens of places to enjoy real flamenco.
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