This edition of the “Antonio El Chaqueta” Congress is dedicated to the role of women in the flamenco, remembering two figures such as Joaquín Vargas Soto “El Cojo de Málaga” and Francisca Santiago Carmona “La Curra”, continuing with the recognitions initiated in previous editions.
This competition will take place in three venues: the Paseo de La Velada Theater, the Cruz Herrera Museum, and the Congress Palace, as well as the Unión Deportiva Linense.
Throughout history, women's position has been subordinate to that of men, as well as to the cultural roles historically assigned to them: raising children, taking care of the home, caring for the elderly, or caring for their husbands, among many others. For a long period of time, women were restricted in their ability to express their opinions and thoughts, as well as in their pursuit of their own personal and professional growth. This situation of subordination has occurred in all spheres of social life and at all hierarchical levels of society.
Despite the progress made, the gender gap still exists, and here in Campo de Gibraltar, on average, a woman has to work 99 days more than a man to earn the same. Unemployment is a major problem for women, as they make up two-thirds of the unemployed in the region.
It has taken a long time for women to have the right to express their own opinions and thoughts, as well as to pursue their personal and professional development, which was impossible until very recently.
Throughout the history of the flamenco, the woman has leftpeñaplay a fundamental role in this art, both in its development and in its artistic expression. Despite the obstacles and discrimination they have faced, many women have managed to make important contributions and have left an indelible mark on the world of flamenco.
El flamenco It is a form of expression that reflects deep emotions, and women have been able to convey those emotions with their voice and their dance. Dancers like Carmen Amaya and flamenco.
Today, women remain a major force in the world of flamenco, gaining increasing recognition and opportunities to showcase their art and make their own contribution, bringing their experiences, diversity, and nuances. With their work and talent, they are leading the flamenco to new horizons and keeping alive the flame of a tradition that has stood the test of time.
Focusing on women and men flamenco, this has been no different. Furthermore, we cannot leave aside the figure of the Gypsy woman, a social group that, for centuries, has preserved and developed the flamenco as a cultural part of their daily lives. Therefore, to the socially widespread situation regarding women's participation in public life, we had to add some values specific to the Roma people, closely linked to family and intimacy.
Women's participation in the flamenco was limited to the private and domestic sphere, to events organized in family settings. Furthermore, once married, this privacy was strongly influenced by the fact that it was frowned upon for women to dedicate themselves to flamenco as a profession. In many cases, they weren't even allowed to, and in others, they weren't even aware that they could have a career, or thought they didn't deserve it.
This situation has changed a lot today, although women still have a long way to go. Fortunately, flamenco It has numerous great artists, with impeccable careers, and their contribution has enriched this art, making it even more vibrant and meaningful.
