Iona Napier
SHAWLS swished and heels clacked to celebrate 20 years of Jerez’ famous flamenco festival.
Andalucia’s most important flamenco fiesta has seen more than 70 shows and 44 dance lessons involving some 1,050 people from around thirty different countries.
The Mercado de Abastos was transformed into one of 20 venues across town where spirited dance and music came together to rapturous crowds of thousands.
But Jerez town hall is one of Andalucia’s most indebted and fears remain for the festival’s future, so a foundation for visual arts and flamenco will be created this year to fight for it to continue.
“For a long time, the city has exported its talent but the economic benefits are rarely felt here, but the festival was born to change that,” said the foundation’s director.
“We hope Jerez can become a Mecca for flamenco fans that want to visit again and again.”
This year it attracted dance figureheads Isabel Bayon, Ruben Olmo and Rosario Toledo and it runs until March 5.
