“One more year The Institute of Gypsy Culture, on April 8, 2019, and within the occasion of the International Day of the Gypsy People, awarded, in its XII edition, a series of prizes aimed at exalting the cultural values of this people that is, with 12 million citizens in Europe, the most important ethnic minority. The place chosen was the Prado National Museum, which this 2019 celebrates its 200th anniversary, and which was the setting for this distinguished appointment with the Gypsy Culture. 

Spain Also Is Gypsy’ is this year’s slogan and in my opinion very appropriate. The great sample of sensitive opening of our country revealed throughout our history, that has fused in the different artistic disciplines our idiosyncrasy with the creative talent of this people, makes us optimistic when we see the Art as a social nexus.

Flamenco Art as Intangible Heritage of Humanity has in the Gypsy People its decisive and essential contribution, and all the knowledge and energy of this unique capacity for musical symbiosis that is Flamenco and a great proof that music is a cohesive element for society. I don’t think there is any country on our planet that shows more democracy and human openness. Let’s leave, but let’s not forget, for sociologists and politicians, the work still to be done without a doubt in equality and overcoming prejudices, but, “the flamencos”, let’s take a step forward to claim the protagonism of our Art as a sample and encounter of recognition of the other.

I want to thank this Foundation for keeping me as a supporter and being able to contribute to this cause of recognition and exaltation of the values that represent ‘Health and Freedom’. After giving the Literature and Performing Arts prize to Salvador Távora posthumously (the prize was picked up by his daughter Pilar Távora), I would also like to mention the other winners of these Gypsy Culture Awards 2019:  

– Literature and Performing Arts: Salvador Távora

– Painting and Plastic Arts: Javier Fernández de Molina

– Research: Fernando Rey

– Sports: Blanca Romero

– Communication: Antonio Ortega

– To Concord: Ara Malikian

– Music: Morente Carbonell family

– New Creators: Snétberger Music Talent Centre

– A Whole Trajectory: Pedro Peña Fernández”

Luis P. Adame

Guitarist, Founder of Tablao Flamenco Cordobes and Member of the Patronage of the Institute of Flamenco Culture.