The Mérida Flamenca initiative is set to highlight the city’s flamenco tradition, bringing the art form into public spaces and involving the community in a festive celebration of flamenco as a living heritage and collective identity. Antonio Vélez, the city’s cultural delegate, emphasised the importance of flamenco, stating, “When we talk about flamenco, we talk about heritage, our history, our families, our neighbourhoods, our artists, and many generations that have kept this cultural expression alive.”
Vélez presented the programme for Mérida Flamenca, a cultural event coordinated by five local flamenco academies: Yolanda Burgos, Vero Mora, Montse Mora, Julita Báez, and Vanessa Blanco. The initiative aims to elevate the flamenco tradition in Mérida, giving prominence to local artists and academies while bringing flamenco to the streets.
“This week is about valuing the flamenco tradition of the city; we want to give a voice to local artists and academies, take flamenco to the streets, and engage the community,” Vélez added.
The programme will unfold throughout the week with various events in public spaces, cultural centres, and main stages. On Friday, 13 November, a Flamenco Drawing Competition will kick off in local dance schools, with prizes awarded to all participants following the jury's decision.
On Saturday, 14 November, a masterclass will be held with Diego Andújar at the Centro Cultural Alcazaba, featuring training workshops led by the director and choreographer. The following day, 15 November, Mérida Flamenca will host a flashmob at 1 PM in the Plaza de España, with an expected turnout of 500 participants.
Following the success of the previous edition, a competition will again be held in various categories at 5 PM, attracting contestants from Badajoz, Cáceres, and other parts of Extremadura. A live performance by dancer Diego Andújar and his Flamenco troupe will take place at 6 PM in the Plaza de España.
On Saturday, 21 November, the Palacio de Congresos will host the performance of 'Danaides' at 8 PM, presented by Mérida Flamenca. Tickets for this show are already on sale at the flamenco academies in Mérida. The production is noted for its dialogue between classical mythology, theatre, and contemporary dance language. It uses the myth of the Danaides and the metaphor of “trying to fill a leaky vessel” to represent the daily struggles, search for worth, respect, love, and frustration faced by women, according to Yolanda Burgos.
