¡Olé! If there’s such a thing as having a previous life, I reckon I was probably Spanish. I’ve been a huge fan of Spain since I was 18 and had my first holiday in the country. With a group of friends, travelling in a titivated old Transit van, we transited through France and into Spain (the vehicle breaking down only once). Although I didn’t take to camping (how grim were those loos!), I was captivated by Spain and its culture…except the bullfighting.
The Boss and I moved to Mallorca because, after holidaying separately and together here, we’d both fallen in love with the island – particularly its rural heart. Once we’d settled into life here, we discovered Mallorca’s own distinct culture. But because of tourism, Mallorca also attracts people from the Peninsula and other countries to work in the hospitality industry – which makes for an interesting cosmopolitan mix of people and cultural activities. An example: I’m told that in the 1960s, Palma once had 18 tablaos – flamenco bars with a stage. Eighteen! Presumably this was due to the influx of Andalusians who came to work in the island’s hotels, restaurants, and bars.
The Real Deal
When we visited Seville a few years ago we spent an evening at a locals’ flamenco bar – and loved it. But we didn’t expect to find anything as authentic back on our island. We had the impression that flamenco here was something just for tourists to enjoy in the evenings after dinner in their resort hotels; only recently did I find out that the Balearics has a flamenco culture association which has organized the Festival de Flamenco ‘Ciutat de Palma’ for the past four years.
The tablaos may be almost non-existent in Palma, but interest in flamenco certainly hasn’t died out; the art form just needed a bit of ‘oomph’ to generate more interest and broaden awareness.
Thanks to some flamenco aficionados who are on a mission to “restore the spirit of tablao to Palma”, you can now see a rather thrilling and authentic show in Mallorca’s capital. Flamenco and local history expert Julio Piñeiro and chef Björn San Pedro founded Flamallorca, which launched this spring with the participation of some talented performers (and some generous sponsors). I’ve seen the show twice and can heartily recommend it if you are visiting Mallorca in the coming weeks – or next year.
Gothic Setting
The venue, Teatre Sans, is an intimate café-theatre in Palma’s Old Town – a former palace that an olive-oil trader built in the 14th/15th centuries; his coat of arms is still in the courtyard. A Mallorcan family eventually bought the Gothic building, owning it for 300 years before Franco confiscated it – believing the owners to be Republicans. Post-Franco, the palace was back in the family, who eventually sold it for a reasonable price to the current owners, who wanted to restore it to its former use as a small theatre.
It’s an atmospheric venue for Flamallorca and audiences see the show in parts, in different areas of the building. It all begins with wine and tasty home-made tapas in the courtyard (check out that coat of arms), where a guitarist plays and sets the scene for what’s to come. I shall not reveal more, but share a few photos I took during my two visits to give you a flavour.
Thanks to the diversity of this island, we can enjoy the tranquillity of living in rural Mallorca and experience Andalusia’s most vibrant art form just an hour’s drive from home. ¡Olé indeed!
For more information, or to book, check out Flamallorca. And don’t forget to call out ¡Olé! a few times during the show…
©Jan Edwards 2017
The Flamenco sounds really interesting – thanks for bringing it to our attention
I bought the Guy de Forestier book you recommended on Amazon for peanuts. Its great fun.
I am going to be in Mallorca for a few days next week to do some painting – Linda cannot make it so if anything particular is on let me know
Best wishes
max
Hi Max! You’re welcome. Pleased to hear you’re enjoying the Guy de Forestier book – it is fun. Painting: I imagine you mean of the persiana and décor-type rather than something involving an easel. Good luck with that! A few things are on:
Legends Cup 5th-8th October at Palma Sport and Tennis Club. Tim Henman, Carlos Moya, Henri LeConte, and Mats Wilander amongst those competing. http://www.legendscuppalma.com
Closing concert of the Deia International Music Festival is on Thursday 5th at Son Marroig – a concert to mark the centenary of Finland’s independence. http://www.dimf.com
Artisans Fair in Alaro on Sunday 1st all day
Wednesday 4th – Open-air concert with Alicia & The Syndicate at Finca Hotel Can Estades in Calvia.
Just a few delights for you! Have a safe trip over. Best wishes, Jan
Sounds fantastic but I’m not in Mallorca then. When does it start next year?
Hi Mike! I have contacted Flamallorca to find out and when I hear back, I shall post a further reply. Best wishes, and thanks for reading my post! Jan
Hi Mike
Flamallorca has replied: “Probably in April. But we are flexible and have the possibility to use the theater almost any day if the enquiry is for a group.”
I hope that helps. Best wishes, Jan
OK thanks Jan, I will look out for it but it will just be me or possibly one other.
Well enjoy it, whenever and with whomever you visit!
Thank you !
Would love to get a group of friends and support this venue…
Recovering from leg break….querie: are there stairs to negotiate during this event?
gratefully from
gloria
Gloria Rossi Menedes L.Ac. MaTCM Hom Teaching Associate Jean Houston Seminars Spain cell +34 608791237 fixed +34 971702234 Skype menedes6633 http://www.thewatereye.com FB The Water Eye Twitter The Water Eye
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Hi Gloria
Oh dear! Sorry to hear about the leg break – rather painful and very inconvenient, I imagine. I am not sure if there’s an elevator (I cannot remember seeing one), but I have asked Flamallorca to let me know and shall post further when I have a reply. I am sure you and your friends would enjoy the show.Best wishes, Jan
Hi Gloria
Flamallorca has just replied (very efficient) and they do have an elevator there. Enjoy the show when you go and do tell them you read about it on Living in Rural Mallorca please! Jan
I’m already in love with Spanish culture specifically dance and music.
Isn’t it wonderful? Thank you for your comment. If you love gastronomy too, do check out http://www.eatdrinksleepmallorca.com! Have a good day. Best wishes, Jan