55th Anniversary of Tablao Flamenco Cordobes

To commemorate its 55 years of history, Tablao Flamenco Cordobes in Barcelona will celebrate the anniversary as it knows best; bringing together the most prestigious artists of the current flamenco scene along with great legends of the genre. From March to December, the big names in flamenco, often with two or three performing together, will step onto this iconic stage full of history. On April 1st, it will kick off with the premiere of a show created by Jesús Carmona for Tablao Cordobes. In May, Alfonso Losa and José Maya will come together in a joint performance accompanied by rising star Águeda Saavedra. The following months will feature Belén Maya, Manuel Liñán, Mercedes de Córdoba, Paula Comitre, Karime Amaya, and many others who will make this year another milestone in our memory.

Here’s a preview of the program:

– April: Jesús Carmona presents, exclusively, a production created especially for the 55th anniversary of Tablao Flamenco Cordobes.

– May: José Maya, Alfonso Losa together in the same show, accompanied by the talent of Águeda Saavedra.

– June: A tribute to Catalan flamenco. Karime Amaya, Pedro Córdoba, and Yoel Vargas in the same show can only leave us breathless.

– July: Two great ladies of dance, Mercedes de Córdoba and Paula Comitre, accompanied by the young and dazzling talent of Juan Tomás de la Molía.

– August: The extraordinary Belén López, the most flamenco Catalan, accompanied by Miguel Ángel Heredia and Raúl Ortega, in a show of flamenco artistry and contrasts.

– September: Águeda Saavedra and Juan Tomás de la Molía, young and overwhelming talent.

– October: The transgressive genius of Manuel Liñán, breaking molds.

Tablao Flamenco Cordobes, a flamenco landmark on Las Ramblas, will also participate in prominent cultural events in Barcelona, whether at El Tast a La Rambla, in collaboration with the Amics de la Rambla association, the El Roser festivities on La Rambla, or the Silver Mosque Award ceremony for individuals and associations to be announced.

These events strengthen the bond between flamenco and the city of Barcelona, paying tribute to more than half a century of passion, art, and tradition in the heart of Las Ramblas. 55 years of art and tradition: Tablao Flamenco Cordobes

The Tablao Flamenco Cordobes is a symbol of artistic excellence and cultural preservation in the world of flamenco. Throughout these 55 years, the Tablao has evolved while maintaining its essence, establishing itself as a national and international reference.

We invite you to take a unique journey through the decades to discover together the exciting history of how a flamenco dream became a legend.

Tablao Flamenco Cordobes was born in Barcelona in the 1970s, during a period marked by the end of Franco’s regime and the transition to democracy. Located in the heart of Las Ramblas, this venue opened as a sanctuary for artistic expression and cultural reclamation. Founded by Luis P. Adame, a renowned guitarist, and dancer Irene Alba, passionate flamenco artists, the Tablao quickly became a center of artistic excellence.

The inauguration was headlined by La Chunga, in a magical night that brought together Barcelona’s cultural elite. From the beginning, Tablao Flamenco Cordobes distinguished itself through its commitment to authentic flamenco tradition, attracting legendary flamenco figures like Camarón de la Isla, Chocolate, and Manuela Carrasco. This period laid the foundation for an institution that, year after year, solidified its place as a temple of flamenco on the international stage.

During the 80s, the Tablao experienced a period of expansion and strengthening. In this decade, Mila de Vargas, Luis P. Adame’s sister and a prominent flamenco figure, joined the team, marking a milestone in the Tablao’s history. Mila, after temporarily retiring to dedicate herself to her family, made a triumphant return to the stage at Tablao Flamenco Cordobes.

In parallel, Luis and Irene’s daughter, María Rosa Pérez, began taking an active role, both on stage and in management. This period was also marked by stronger ties with cultural institutions and the Tablao’s growing influence in the Spanish artistic scene. Figures like Farruco, Fernanda, and Bernarda de Utrera performed on stage, reinforcing Cordobes’ prestige as a space of flamenco excellence.

The 90s were deeply influenced by the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, which transformed the city into a hub of international tourism. During this time, Tablao Flamenco Cordobes solidified its global reputation. The Adame family acquired ownership of the venue during this period, enabling a major renovation and the opening of the first flamenco restaurant, a space decorated with traditional elements that complemented the artistic experience.

The Tablao also hosted landmark events, such as the National Dance Competition organized for its 25th anniversary. This competition featured a prestigious jury including legendary figures like Matilde Coral and El Güito, and highlighted emerging talents like Israel Galván, who marked a turning point in flamenco dance history. Also noteworthy were the Autumn Festivals, which attracted an international audience and reinforced the Tablao’s prestige as a cultural reference.

With the arrival of the 21st century, Tablao Flamenco Cordobes faced new challenges. María Rosa Pérez took over the Tablao’s direction, leading a transformation that combined tradition with modern adaptation. Under her leadership, the Tablao incorporated new technologies, creating its first website and online marketing, and initiated a more refined theatrical aesthetic in its shows.

The inclusion of prominent soloists and theatrical presentations set a new standard for Tablaos in Spain. Despite the challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which halted cultural activity for three years, Tablao Cordobes demonstrated unwavering resilience, maintaining its commitment to excellence. Additionally, we began collaborations with emerging flamenco artists, ensuring that new generations could find in the Tablao a space to develop their art.

On the 55th anniversary year, we celebrate not only our rich history but also the beginning of a new era. Curro Sánchez, grandson of Luis P. Adame and Irene Alba, represents the third generation to lead this institution. With a vision that combines flamenco tradition with technological innovation, Curro faces the challenge of attracting new audiences while preserving the art’s authenticity. The recent inauguration of “El Duende by Tablao Flamenco Cordobes” in 2024 symbolizes this balance between past and future. This new space, equally committed to quality, is dedicated to promoting emerging talent and exploring fusions with other forms of musical expression. Additionally, the Tablao continues to be a meeting place for established artists, reaffirming its role as a cultural epicenter. This new project reflects the family’s commitment to quality and the defense of flamenco, in constant evolution, connecting generations and styles.

Throughout our history, Tablao Flamenco Cordobes has promoted multiple initiatives to preserve and promote flamenco as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The creation of the Tablao Flamenco Cordobes Foundation and the organization of events such as the “Professional Flamenco Encounters” highlight this commitment.

Among the most emblematic awards is “The Silver Mosque“, given to figures and institutions that have significantly contributed to flamenco preservation. Since 1973, this recognition has been awarded to personalities such as Dr. Joaquín Barraquer, Mayor Pasqual Maragall, and dancer Cristina Hoyos, among others. Additionally, the Sendero Program became a platform to unite artists and audiences, fostering cultural dialogue and inclusion.

With over half a century of history, Tablao Flamenco Cordobes remains an undisputed reference in the world of flamenco. Its ability to adapt to changes while maintaining its essence positions it as a model for future generations.

In the words of Luis Adame: We face the dream and challenge of a centennial horizon, where flamenco continues to be a beacon of our culture and heritage. With this vision, Tablao Flamenco Cordobes prepares to continue writing new pages in the history of flamenco art, celebrating the past and forging the future.