The cultural week in Jerez, coinciding with the International Flamenco Day, will take place from 11 to 16 November, featuring a wide array of artistic and educational events. Francisco Zurita, the city’s delegate for Culture, Major Events, Historical Heritage, and Jerez as a Cultural City, unveiled the programme at the Palacio de Villapanés, accompanied by artists and representatives from cultural organisations.
Zurita highlighted the rich variety of activities designed to engage audiences of all ages, aiming to promote the understanding and appreciation of flamenco. The programme includes training sessions in singing, lectures, and performances, reflecting the commitment of both the local flamenco community and the municipal government to preserve this cultural heritage.
Key events during the week
The week will kick off on 11 November with the presentation of the book and album Oriundo by Juan Diego Mateos at the Auditorio de la Fundación Cajasol at 20:00. That same evening, a singing training course focusing on the soleá will be held at the Peña Tío José de Paula, led by Abraham del Zambo and José Carlos Pozo at 21:00.
On 12 November, the Auditorio de la Fundación Cajasol will host a tribute to El Mijita de Jerez at 20:00, honouring the family of Alfonso Carpio Gallardo (1951-2025). This will be followed by a lecture on the official biography of El Sordera de Jerez at the Peña Tío José de Paula, presented by José María Castaño under the title La Elegancia del Duende at 21:00.
The following day, 13 November, will see the inauguration of a tile dedicated to Cristóbal 'El Jerezano' at 17:00 on Calle Santa Cecilia, near the Church of San Miguel, culminating in a performance by Macarena de Jerez. The day will also feature various recitals, including one by Alonso 'El Purili' at the Peña La Bulería at 22:00, and a dance recital by Pepe Torres at the Asociación Cultural de Flamenco Fernando Terremoto at 21:30.
On 14 November, the María del Mar Moreno company will present the gala Jerez Impuro at the Teatro Villamarta at 20:00. The Peña Buena Gente will host a performance by Alfonso and José Mijita at 22:00, while the Peña La Zuá will feature Samuel Serrano at the CCD Don Antonio Chacón at 20:30.
The 15 November will showcase the III Guitar Exhibition at the Palacio de Villapanés from 10:00 to 15:00. In the evening, Vicente Soto Sordera will perform La esencia flamenca del Siglo de Oro at the Teatro Villamarta at 19:00.
On the final day, 16 November, a special event aimed at children and educational audiences will take place from 10:00 to 13:00 at the Alameda del Banco, featuring a flamenco gymkhana and a group flashmob involving students from CEIP La Ina and Isabel La Católica, as part of the inter-centre project FLAMENKOLÉ.
The highlight of International Flamenco Day will be the reading of the manifesto defending the flamenco art of Jerez, delivered by Cristóbal Ortega, director of the Andalusian Flamenco Institute, at the Claustros de Santo Domingo at 19:30. This event will also include the presentation of the Afición Award to Alfonso García García, alongside performances by Melchora Ortega and Alfredo Lagos.
All events are free to attend, except for two performances at the Teatro Villamarta, for which tickets can be purchased via www.tickentradas.com.
