A night full of passion and music
A few weeks ago, we experienced an amazing flamenco evening in Vélez-Málaga at Flamenco Abierto (https://flamencoabierto.com/).
But like true Andalusians, we started the evening at Restaurante La Gamba Dorada. There, we enjoyed delicious seafood tapas and a refreshing cold beer and glass of wine. After dinner, we walked to the peña El Niño de Vélez.

The intimate, atmospheric venue
This peña, where the Flamenco Abierto performances take place, is located in the basement of a traditional Spanish building. It’s small but cozy, adorned with photos and memorabilia of the many artists who have taught and performed there. The venue holds around 50 to 60 people, which means you sit close to the performers and have a great view of the stage. By the time we arrived, it was already quite full, but we were lucky to find a great spot with a clear view.

The impressive performers
The star of the evening, in my opinion, was guitarist Rubén Portillo, who played beautifully with quick, precise fingers. Every week, he invites different guest artists, and we were lucky to see two fantastic women perform with him: Kike Elindio, who danced beautifully, supported by the vocals of Edu López. Her voice truly gave us goosebumps—sometimes soft and warm, other times powerful and emotional. Crystal clear and full of passion. The dancer was just as impressive, wearing several traditional dresses and exuding an energy and authenticity that left us speechless.

Perfect harmony
What amazed us most was how well the three performers worked together. Even though they
partly improvised, it felt as though they had been performing together for years. They watched each other, nodded, and shouted encouragements like "¡Olé!" and "¡Toma!" at just the right moments.

The 2.5-hour performance featured various flamenco styles, ranging from slow, sorrowful melodies to fast, joyful rhythms, culminating in a spectacular finale.

A brief introduction to flamenco
Flamenco is a rich and multifaceted art form with guitar playing, dance, and singing as its core disciplines. It is deeply rooted in Andalusian culture and consists of various styles, known as palos, each with its own rhythms, melodies, and emotions. Here are a few of the most popular palos you might encounter during a flamenco performance:

• Bulería: One of the most festive and energetic styles, characterized by a fast and complex 12-beat rhythm. Bulería is often the highlight of a flamenco show and invites improvisation and expressive dance.
• Soleá: Derived from the Spanish word for "solitude", Soleá is one of the most expressive and profound flamenco styles. It has a tragic and melancholic tone, often performed with powerful singing and restrained dancing.
• Alegrías: Originating from Cádiz, this style is cheerful and lively. Alegrías are often marked by a structured dance with several sections, including the silencio and zapateado, and are performed to a fast 12-beat rhythm.
• Rumba: A popular and rhythmic style often associated with festive occasions. Rumba has an infectious rhythm and is typically accompanied by handclaps (palmas) and percussion instruments like the cajón.

Besides these styles, there are many other palos, each with its own unique characteristics and emotional expressions. Flamenco is a dynamic art form that constantly evolves, yet remains true to its deep cultural roots.

All in all, the flamenco performance was an experience we’ll never forget.
If you want to experience something special during your stay in Andalusia, we highly recommend a concert by Flamenco Abierto. One way or another, you're guaranteed a unique and musical evening!