UNESCO has recently recognised Flamenco as an intangible world cultural heritage treasure. This was an exciting development for all the flamenco lovers all over the world as the original request was rejected 5 years ago. However is this news as exciting as it sounds?

The recent flamenco recognition by UNESCO was considered by many fans as the most important event in its recent history. Fans were delighted with this event as the original request was rejected 5 years ago even though the art has a life span of over five centuries.

However is this event as important as the flamenco fans believe it is?

Since the beginning of its history, flamenco has always been surrounded by an air of mystery. Its roots go back to gypsies in Andalusia, who used flamenco as a means to express their feelings of happiness, sadness and passion. Flamenco only became more mainstream in the last century with an increasing fan base in Spain and also across the world.

Despite its long and established history, flamenco still lags behind in other art forms in public awareness and media attention compared to other forms of art. In other words, flamenco has rarely received media exposure, TV or press attention apart from during some of the biggest events. Likewise, attracting sponsors has been a challenge for event organisers, who hardly ever manage to even breakeven. With the exception of Spain, Japan and very few other countries, there very few “flamenco only” schools and the dance is taught in ballet or Latin dance schools as an add-on. Shops that sell flamenco products, such as castanets, flamenco shoes, flamenco boots, flamenco dresses, flamenco skirts, flamenco shawls, fans, cordobes hats and other flamenco accessories are a scarcity and the buyers need to resort to online stores.

This is an absolute proof that this recognition is vital for Flamenco

As a results Flamenco has received the largest media coverage in its history. Radio station, TV programmes worldwide, magazines, newspapers and online articles have been talking about how flamenco has managed to join the elite of the very few intangible cultural heritage treasures. There is already robust evidence to suggest that the art has gained significant popularity with more students signing up, flamenco music scripts are flooding the internet, and shops worldwide have experienced increasing number of transactions.

This is a unique opportunity for flamenco. It has been through a u-turn, a pivotal point and it is up to the fans around the world to keep on spreading the word. Soon flamenco will dominate the world of arts and performances.  A new era for flamenco is on the horizon!

Manuel G Ortega