The Andalusian Institute of Flamenco has hosted today the official presentation of the poster and theprogram of the 53rd edition of the Festival Flamenco of the Mistela, which will be celebratedon October 16, 17, 23 and 24 at the Pedro Pérez Fernández Municipal Theatre ofLos Palacios y Villafranca.
The event was presided over by the mayor of Los Palacios y Villafranca, Juan ManuelValle Chacón; the president of the Flamenco Cultural Society El Pozo de las Penas,José María Sousa Aparicio; and the director of the Andalusian Institute of FlamencoChristopherOrtega Martos. The presentation also included the participation of several ofthe artists who will headline this edition of the festival.
The mayor highlighted the importance of this edition, which coincides with a historic moment for the flamenco institution in Palacios. “The best way to keep the flame of flamenco alive is to celebrate the festival.” flamenco "It's about opening the doors and letting in fresh air," said Juan Manuel Valle, who congratulated the Tertulia on a trajectory that will culminate this year with the receipt of the International Prize of Flamenco Silverio Franconetti PIF 2026 to the best peña flamenca.
The councilor praised the work carried out for decades by members, directors and fans, as well as the entity's ability to continue bringing the flamenco wings new generations.
For his part, the president of the El Pozo de las Penas Flamenco Cultural Society, José María Sousa, emphasized the organization's historical commitment to the dissemination and defense of the art. jondo“Our discussion group has always aimed to contribute more to flamenco "of what he receives from it," he stated, recalling the pioneering role playedpeñarecognized by the association since its founding in 1951 and its contribution to fundamental initiatives for the flamenco Andalusian.
Sousa also highlighted that the 75th anniversary represents "a challenge and an opportunity to continue finding the role that the peñas must desempeñar in the flamenco of the present and the future."
During the event, the artwork created by visual artist Ricardo Cadenas to promote the competition was unveiled. José Valencia, David de Arahal (who will receive the Venencia Flamenca al Toque award), and Arcángel also shared details about the shows they will be performing next October.
The program will kick off on Friday, October 16th with 50 Years of Persecution, a show starring José Valencia and Anabel Valencia, along with Nazaret Reyes, directed by Pedro María Peña, commemorates the fiftieth anniversary of the historic work created by Juan Peña The Lebrijano and Félix Grande.
The proposal recaptures the spirit of a creation that marked a turning point in the flamenco By narrating, through art and words, the history and resistance of the Roma people. “This project is made and focused on the six centuries of history of the Roma people,” José Valencia emphasized.
On Saturday, October 17th, the 2026 Venencia Flamenca award will be presented to guitarist David de Arahal. Following the ceremony, the artist will present Callejón del arte (Art Alley), a show that reflects the creative force and personality of one of the most promising names in flamenco guitar. flamenco current. It will feature guest artists Sandra Carrasco, Manuel de la Tomasa and José Ángel Carmona.
The second week of the festival will begin on Friday, October 23rd with the
Ballet performance Flamenco of Andalusia and its Heritage Show
Flamenco, created to commemorate the fifteenth anniversary of the declaration of flamenco as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
Under the artistic and choreographic direction of Patricia Guerrero, the proposal takes a journey through different musical and aesthetic landscapes of flamenco, paying tribute to essential figures in this art and celebrating the talent of new generations.
The grand finale will take place on Saturday, October 24th with Arcángel and his show "Olor a tierra" (Scent of Earth), a performance that fuses canteGuitar and dance in an evocative artistic reflection on nature, emotions, and the cultural roots that nourish the flamencoHe will be accompanied by Salvador Gutiérrez on guitar and by Los Mellis on vocals. palmas.
Arcángel recalled that he was the first artist to receive the prestigious Venencia Flamenca award in 2002, and valued the importance of this award as support for youth.
All shows will be held at the Pedro Pérez Fernández Municipal Theatre and will begin at 20:00 p.m.
Organized by the Los Palacios y Villafranca City Council and the El Pozo de las Penas Flamenco Cultural Association, with the collaboration of various institutions, the Festival Flamenco The Mistela festival will once again bring together some of the leading figures in the scene on its stage. flamenco contemporary, consolidating a
a trajectory of more than half a century dedicated to the promotion, dissemination and defense of one of the most universal cultural heritages of Andalusia.
The mayor invited residents and visitors to enjoy an event he described as "a cultural highlight of the Andalusian autumn," also encouraging them to visit the Tertulia El Pozo de las Penas, "which, with its 75 years, is at the origin of many of the great initiatives that have contributed to the development of the region." flamenco in Andalusia and in Spain.”
Tickets for the shows are now on sale at www.giglon.com
