While I understand that Flamenco is not part of Madrid culture (sadly there will be no Zarzuela while we are there), I would like to see a great example.
Rick has a couple of suggestions in his book. I’m curious about recommendations from the forum.
I like local and real. Can even be a bit threadbare.
We are staying near the museums but would be happy to travel to a different district.
Thanks! Your recommendations so far have been spot on!
Flamenco didn't originate in Madrid, but it has been there for a long time now. People took it north in the 18th C and with industrialisation, people including flamenco artists moved to places like Madrid and Barcelona in huge numbers in the 19th and early 20th C.
I think you can say flamenco is a part of Madrid's culture these days.
Of course, there will be places only putting on "tourist shows"! But Madrid tablao such as Cardamomo have a long tradition.
Personally, I find flamenco as desirable as being hit in the face by a brick. So, I've no particular Madrid recommendation. But Cardamomo and 1911 are perhaps the most famous there.
I am the opposite of Nick; I love flamenco! All of the shows I've seen have been at touristy spots, but the performances are amazing. I'm so focused on the dancers and musicians that I forget there are other people around me.
In Madrid, I've been to Torres Bermejas and Tablao Las Carboneras. All the shows were fantastic! If you want to avoid the other tourists and tour groups, skip any included meal. Just go for the show.
It's too bad that you won't be able to attend Zarzuela. It is really unique and fun. Back in 2014, my husband and I booked a dinner for the night we landed in Madrid at Restaurante La Castafiore. We had a great time, but we should have picked a different day. Our desserts came out at midnight. I was so tired that I almost fell asleep in the flan, lol!
The only Flamenco places I saw in Madrid I’m certain are for tourists.
To me the most authentic flamenco is that performed at fairs and festivals, but that doesn’t help you. Like Nick, for me, five minutes of flamenco is four too many. If you go to a show hopefully it’s because you really want to see one rather than because somebody said that if going to Spain you need to go to one.
Hope you find a nice show.
The top spot in Madrid is CORRAL DE LA MORERIA. The big names can often be seen there. It´s upscale, though and you can have dinner there. Their food gets great reports.
Why do people who say they do not like flamenco even bother to answer?
The responses are silly and useless.
I LOVE flamenco! I have watched it many time whenever I can, and I even took lessons for multiple years from a few different teachers. Yes, I certainly know what I watching.
No, there is no such thing as "flamenco for tourists only."
Flamenco dancers (and singers and musicians) have trained for YEARS to achieve proficiency.
The flamenco world is small enough that many names are familiar to each other. Each artist has a unique style.
Flamenco is a part of Spanish culture.
The arts are UNDER-FUNDED and UNDER-APPRECIATED.
People will pay a lot more to go to a soccer game where they sit high in peanut heaven, rather than see the intricate moves of flamenco close up in a small tavern (Yes, you may get some dancer sweat on you.).
Flamenco folks have to perform where they can be paid and make a decent living.
I like going to flamenco shows in Madrid when I can have my dinner and a drink while I am watching.
Last Summer, although I was also traveling in Spain, I even saw a wonderful flamenco dancer on the Cunard Victoria--Sharon López from Duo Esencias. What a great surprise!
I no longer make recommendations because ALL flamenco shows are wonderful for those who are not knowledgeable.
If you need specific reviews or assistance, check out Viator tours and see which tablaos they are using.
A former colleague of mine is a very skilled flamenco (and rock and classical) guitar player. I saw him play the tune I'll link to Paco de Lucia playing below, Malagueña, a flamenco standard. Was pretty awesome to see this style of guitar being played up close, sitting at my desk at work.
