The fourth day of the 63rd edition of the International Festival of Cante of the Mines surrendered
tribute to the cultural connection between Spain and Italy, highlighting the deep relationship of
both countries around the flamenco
The Italian ambassador, Mr. Giuseppe Buccino Grimaldi, received the 'Cathedral of the
Cante', who highlighted the need to "disseminate, protect and promote globally the
flamenco"
The conference 'The flamenco in Italy', by the Italian dancer Silvia Marín and José
Manuel Gamboa, gave names and origin to the cante jondo in its connection with Italian opera
La Union, Saturday, August 3, 2024
Spain and Italy, two jewels of the Mediterranean, share a rich cultural heritage that has resonated throughout
over the centuries. Both nations, cradle of artists, poets and musicians, have influenced
deeply into history and art at all levels. Both continue to inspire the world and
thanks to the International Festival of Cante from Las Minas, Italy today is a little more flamenco.
The spread of this Spanish art in the neighboring country, with numerous schools to learn
mainly dance flamenco, as well as initiatives and festivals held throughout the year,
has earned the country the 'Cathedral of the Cante', joining others such as Mexico or Japan that
have previously received. The Italian ambassador to Spain, Giuseppe Buccino Grimaldi, received
This award recognizes countries that stand out for their work in preserving and disseminating
flamenco culture. “We need to spread, protect and promote flamenco globally. flamenco , the
Intangible Cultural Heritage that is”, he indicated during the event, including within the Agenda
Cultural. Among the wishes behind this distinction is that not only the flamenco be present in Italy,
but that it is the flamenco of Sierra Minera with its cantes of Levante.
“This award not only recognizes what has been done so far, but also aims to build
bridges for future collaborations,” said the president of the Foundation Cante of the Mines and
Mayor of La Union, Joaquin Zapata. “We are sure that the ambassador's visit is the
beginning of an intense work so that the flamenco reach every corner of Italy,” he added.
Exploring the soul of flamenco
The day had an Italian feel and it was confirmed during the discussion about 'The Flamenco in Italy' that
That same afternoon, José Manuel Gamboa, producer and critic, starred flamenco, and Silvia Marin,
outstanding Italian dancer. Those attending the Cultural Agenda were able to discover “that line
imperceptible but firm that crosses the Mediterranean to connect with thread flamenco the Italian and
“the Spanish thing,” as the journalist and presenter of the event, Juan Ramón Lucas, put it.
From Silverio Franconetti, singer flamenco and son of an Italian who created the seguiriya, until
Antonio Gades, who “marked a before and after for the flamenco in Italy because it awakened the
hobby”, going through the rise of flamenco In 18th century Italy, Gamboa and Marín inspired and
created connections beyond the obvious in this love story between the flamenco and Italy.
Gamboa defended the cante jondo As the cante lyrical of the poor people of Andalusia”, alluding to the
Italian opera as a lyrical base on which that work was based cante jondo which is now present in
throughout the country. “The flamenco In Italy, he lives not only in the festivals of Rome and Milan, but also in the
dozens of dance schools throughout Italy, from Sicily to Verona. They dance and enjoy the
flamenco, and that makes us even closer,” they reported.
As a grand finale, the Argentum Choir, directed by Bernardo Sáez, performed 'The Choir of Slaves'
Hebrews' from the opera Nabucco, by the Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi, putting the finishing touch to this
alliance.
The International Festival of Cante of the Mines is organized by the Foundation Cante by
Mines with the support of the City Council of La Unión, the Autonomous Community of the Region of
Murcia, the Institute of Cultural Industries (ICA), Costa Cálida Region of Murcia and the Institute
National Academy of Performing Arts and Music of the Ministry of Culture. It also has the
Sponsorship by La Verdad, La7, Repsol, So-La-Na Entertainment, Elsamex Group, Foundation
CajaMurcia and Caixabank, Avanza Services Group, Acciona, Cajamar, Inmesur Levante, El Cerveza
Eagle, Tecsumaga and Major Supplies.
