Go Alburquerque!

In 1982, the National Institute of Flamenco was founded by Eva Encinias, supported by family and popular history that backed up that beginning. Over these four decades, the great efforts of Eva and her family gave rise to the Flamenco Festival of Albuquerque (New Mexico), the largest and longest-running event of its kind outside of Spain. Since that time, the Institute has organized numerous social and educational projects, and endured its share of misfortunes, such as a large fire that destroyed much of the organization’s main headquarters, or the dreaded Covid pandemic, which forced the Festival’s program to be held virtually online.

And now, the unkindest cut of all: major economic support previously conceded by the National Endowment of the Arts, has been withdrawn. According to the NEA, the decision was taken to redirect funding towards projects that reflect new federal priorities. The news came down like a bucket of ice water on event planning just when it’s less than two months for the beginning of the 38th edition of this historic festival.

The news has fallen like a bucket of cold water on the event with less than two months to go until the start of the 38th edition of the historic event.

"I want to assure you that the festival is moving forward as planned. We are actively appealing the decision and working hard to raise the necessary funds to close the gap. We are strong, and we will get through this, especially with the support of those who love and value the arts" (Marisol Encinias)

<scan>I remember now those years in the 1970s, the rising popularity of these summer flamenco festivals in Spain, when admission would typically cost 500 pesetas (3 euros or $3.40), which seemed like a fortune to us at the time, considering that performers in a tablao didn’t even earn that much per night. These festivals became fashionable, and even with very long lineups featuring top stars in singing, dancing, or guitar, salaries were high. There were really no significant subsidies or sponsorships.</scan>

The emergence of flamenco clubs, tablaos, which were springing up like mushrooms in autumn at the time, reinforced local enthusiasm and pride, giving rise to a shared cultural awareness unlike anything that had existed before. The organization of these events was left in the hands of municipal authorities and officials, who often lacked proper judgment in the matter.

The withdrawal of funding for the Alburquerque Flamenco Festival, which has not been the only private event recently affected by the loss of public financial support, is a sad step backward for flamenco and for the community as a whole. Some heartfelt words from Marisol Encinias:

"Thank you all for your incredible support. I want to assure you that the festival is moving forward as planned. We are actively appealing the decision and working hard to raise the necessary funds to close the gap. We are strong, and we will get through this, especially with the support of those who love and value the arts."