El flamenco takes root again in Ogíjares (Granada). On September 6, San Sebastián Park will witness the 46th edition of the National Festival of Flamenco, one of the most emblematic events on the Andalusian scene, which this year is full of spirit, tradition and commitment to art jondo.
The event, declared of Tourist Interest by the Andalusian Government, is consolidated as a national reference that not only supports established talent, but also the young promises of the cante, dance and guitar. Top names will appear on stage, such as Israel Fernandez, Miguel de Tena, Samuel Serrano, Paqui Rios, Esperanza Garrido y Rober El Moreno, among others. The touch will be accompanied by figures of the caliber of Diego del Morao, José de Pura, Paco León, Paco Jarra y Antonio de Patrocinio.
One of the most anticipated moments of the night will be the tribute to the maestro Calixto Sanchez, which was part of the first edition of the festival in 1979 along with Camarón de la IslaThe mayor of Ogíjares, Stefano Polo, has highlighted the importance of this recognition: "It has been a success to pay tribute to this figure of the flamenco, full of experience, wisdom and essence," he told Granada Hoy, moved by the artist's response, who "started to cry when I told him the news."
"This year, the Ogíjares Festival stage will be inspired by a typical Granada design and will pay tribute to the centenary of the Roma community."
The festival organizers have been working on every detail for months, from the artistic selection to the stage design. This year, the stage will be inspired by a "very Granada" design, as Polo himself explained, and will pay tribute to the centenary of the Roma community. In addition, accessibility, comfort, and safety measures have been strengthened to improve the audience experience.
The lineup, the result of ongoing work beginning every October, represents a firm commitment to quality. The presence of Israel Fernández, one of the most recognized voices of the moment, is especially significant. "Israel was here when he was barely known. He and other artists always say that the Ogíjares Festival 'brings luck' to promising young artists," says the mayor.
With nearly two thousand attendees expected, the festival becomes a cultural and economic engine for the municipality. The impact goes beyond the artistic, boosting the image of Ogíjares and its surroundings. "Ogíjares is consolidating its position as an international benchmark for flamenco", Polo emphasized, also recalling that "culture should not die from the pandemic and we were committed to moving forward, with all the measures, when no one else did."
A quote that not only honors the flamenco, but rather projects it into the future, with interested young people, active municipal schools and a peña live all year round. "Our festival is addictive. Those who come once, come back," says Polo.
