Manuela Carrasco:Winner of the ‘Nobel Prize of Flamenco’

📍 Place of Birth: Seville

Who is Manuela Carrasco?

Manuela Carrasco was born in Triana (Seville) into a family of flamenco artists. Her father was the dancer José Carrasco ‘El Sordo,’ and her mother, Cipriana Salazar Heredia, was related to Los Camborios. She was self-taught and, from a very young age, demonstrated an innate talent for dance, making her professional debut at just 10 years old. Since then, her career has been on a continuous rise, establishing herself as one of the greatest figures in flamenco dance.

Her style is characterized by overwhelming expressive force, absolute mastery of rhythm, and an imposing stage presence. Considered one of the foremost exponents of flamenco dance, she has received praise from critics, artists, and flamenco enthusiasts worldwide. Her ability to move audiences and her impeccable technique have made her an undisputed reference in the international flamenco scene. Throughout her career, she has remained true to the essence of flamenco, standing out for her authenticity and her ability to innovate without losing tradition.

‘Compás del Cante’: A Prestigious Award

Manuela Carrasco has been honored with the prestigious ‘Compás del Cante’ award, popularly known as the ‘Nobel Prize of Flamenco.’ Now in its 32nd edition, this award is granted by the Cruzcampo Foundation to recognize the greatest masters of flamenco. The Sevillian dancer joins a distinguished list of awardees that includes legendary names such as Paco de Lucía, Enrique Morente, Lebrijano, and José Menese, among others.

A Prestigious Jury

The ‘Compás del Cante’ award is bestowed by a jury composed of some of the most influential figures in the world of flamenco and culture. This year’s jury included:

• Rafael Riqueni (President and winner of the previous edition).
• Antonio Zoido (Director of La Bienal de Sevilla).
• Rafael Infante (Director of the Flamencology Department at the University of Seville).
• Alberto García Reyes (Journalist at ABC Sevilla).
• Berta Tapia (Cultural Director at RNE).
• Juan Luis Cano (Radio Host).

The recognition of Manuela Carrasco is yet another testament to her impact on the world of flamenco and her significance in its history.

Other Recent Recognitions

In addition to the ‘Compás del Cante’, the dancer has also recently been awarded the International Flamenco Prize ‘Ciudad de Vera,’ reaffirming her status as one of the most important artists in contemporary flamenco. Her talent has been recognized on multiple occasions, solidifying her as an essential figure in the global flamenco scene. These awards reflect her tireless dedication to the art and her passion for passing on the essence of flamenco to new generations.

Artistic Awards and Distinctions

Since the beginning of her career, Manuela Carrasco has accumulated numerous awards and honors that reflect her talent and dedication to flamenco. Among her earliest distinctions are:

🏆 Award at La Reunión del Cante Jondo in Puebla de Cazalla (1974).
🏆 National Pastora Imperio Award.
🥇 National Flamenco Art Competition of Barcelona in Córdoba.
🏆 Award from the Flamencology Department of Jerez de la Frontera.
🏆 Mezquita de Plata, Tablao Cordobes, 2025.

These achievements marked the definitive takeoff of her career, allowing her to work alongside some of the greatest flamenco artists, including Camarón de la Isla, El Lebrijano, and Pansequito del Puerto. Her technique and expressiveness have been key to her establishment as one of flamenco’s most outstanding figures.

An Impeccable International Career

Manuela Carrasco has not only shined in Spain but has also brought flamenco to international stages. In 1986, she toured America with the show Flamenco Puro, sharing the stage with other flamenco greats such as La Fernanda de Utrera, Farruco, and El Chocolate. Her presence abroad has allowed flamenco to transcend borders and captivate audiences from different cultures.

Throughout her career, she has performed at some of the world’s most important festivals and theaters:

• Flamenco Festivals in Barcelona and Andalusia.
• Olympic Theatre of Rome.
• Flamenco Festival of Paris.
• Biennial of Flamenco Art.
• Cumbre Flamenca of Madrid.
• Performances at Tablao Flamenco Cordobes in Barcelona.

At our tablao, Manuela Carrasco has starred in numerous performances that have been acclaimed by both the public and critics. She has shared the stage with other flamenco greats, delivering performances that stand out for their expressive power and their fidelity to the purest flamenco tradition. Her presence at Tablao Flamenco Cordobes has been fundamental in spreading her art, consolidating her as one of the most important flamenco dancers of her generation.

The Legacy of Manuela Carrasco

With over five decades dedicated to flamenco, Manuela Carrasco has become an undeniable reference in this art form. Her unique style, passion, and ability to convey emotions have taken her to the highest level. In addition to her career as a dancer, she has influenced new generations of artists who seek to follow in her footsteps and preserve the essence of pure flamenco.

In 2025, as part of the 55th anniversary celebrations of Tablao Flamenco Cordobes, Manuela Carrasco will be awarded the Mezquita de Plata, an honorary distinction that our historic tablao has been granting since 1973 to various personalities and entities who work to defend the values of flamenco as a tool for cohesion and a meeting point for society.