El Circle of Fine Arts (Madrid) recently hosted the presentation of the report El flamenco In Spain. The present and future of an art that is more alive than ever., the result of a collaboration between EY Spain and Paco de Lucia Foundation. Based on a national survey along with interviews with experts, the document offers an unprecedented snapshot of the current health of the flamenco, its social projection and the challenges it faces.
An art present and appreciated by millions
According to the study, approximately 72 percent of the Spanish population – 27,4 million people, including foreign residents – has heard flamenco, while 31 percent consider it a musical genre that you like, and 4 percent rank it as their favorite style. This makes it the seventh most mentioned musical genre in Spain, after pop, rock, classical, electronic, reggaeton, and singer-songwriter.
The penetration of flamenco It is not limited to Andalusia: with an affinity of 45 percent in that community, it is surprising that communities such as Madrid and the Levante area register 37 and 30 percent, respectively. In addition, the adherence to the flamenco transcends political ideologies and social classes, being similar between left-wing and right-wing voters and citizens of all classes.
The influence of young people
Contrary to the cliché that the flamenco It is exclusive to older generations, the report reveals that the 18 to 29 age group is the one that shows the greatest enthusiasm: 6 percent consider it their favorite genre and 36 percent place it among their musical tastes. In addition, 62 percent of these young people consider that flamenco is living its best moment.
This data suggests an effective adaptive capacity of the flamenco, integrating new trends such as the “new flamenco", with figures such as Rosalía, Niña Pastori, Ketama or Mala Rodríguez, whom the public strongly associates with the evolution of the genre.
"The flamenco It is no longer a folk art form confined to tablaos. Its influence extends to fashion, tourism, education, and the performing arts. The report notes that it is an industry with a significant socioeconomic impact, capable of generating employment, attracting investment, and energizing related cultural sectors.
El flamenco as a mark of identity
62 percent of Spaniards consider that Paco de Lucía is a "very important artist," while another 27 percent describe him as "everlasting." In addition, 43 percent of citizens feel "very proud" of the artist. flamenco as an ambassador of the Spain Brand, although this feeling varies according to ideology.
El flamenco It is no longer a folk art form confined to tablaos. Its influence extends to fashion, tourism, education, and the performing arts. The report notes that it is an industry with a significant socioeconomic impact, capable of generating employment, attracting investment, and energizing related cultural sectors.
Health, popularity and frequency of consumption
The prevailing perception among Spaniards is that the flamenco is in good health: 10 percent rate it as “at its best” and 46 percent as “in a good moment,” compared to 6 percent who think otherwise.
The listening habit is remarkable: 11 percent say they listen flamenco “almost every day” And 27 percent do so "every or almost every week." These figures reveal regular consumption, although only 39 percent consider it their favorite or usual genre, creating a significant gap between general interest and truly loyal consumers.
Between the traditional and the contemporary
50 percent refer to the flamenco traditional when they think of this art, while 39 percent make no distinction between traditional and new. Furthermore, only 8 percent say they consume only flamenco traditional, while 32 percent prefer the “new flamencoThis trend indicates a brilliant potential for synergy between the classic and the modern as a path of expansion.
"Only 2 out of 10 respondents believe that institutions sufficiently support the flamenco. Despite initiatives such as the Andalusian Law of FlamencoThe report warns that budgets for promotion and professionalization remain insufficient, and that it is still not fully recognized as a cultural industry.
Lack of institutional structure and support
One of the most striking findings of the report is the public perception of an "institutional support deficit": only 2 out of 10 respondents believe that institutions sufficiently support the flamenco. Despite initiatives such as the recent approval of the Andalusian Law of FlamencoThe report warns that budgets for promotion and professionalization remain insufficient, and that it is not yet fully recognized as a cultural industry.
The Paco de Lucía Foundation and EY warn of the need to establish a long-term strategy - a roadmap - that promotes the collaboration between governments, the private sector, and educational institutions, associations and cultural agents.
Future challenges: training, data, collaborative space
The report now looks to the future: in addition to requesting more resources, it underlines the need to improve the "training and dissemination of flamenco", to have "reliable statistics" and to open "spaces for collaboration and reflection". Its purpose is to consolidate the flamenco not only as a cultural phenomenon, but also as a sustainable creative industry that generates talent.
In conclusion, the flamenco In Spain, it is no longer the exclusive preserve of a region or generation. It is a living force that renews itself, that reaches young people, that creates international pride, and that demands institutional recognition. However, for this force to continue growing, it is necessary to unite passions: artists, citizens, technicians, managers, and governments must weave together the future of the flamenco.
"The flamenco In Spain, it's no longer the exclusive preserve of a region or generation. It's a living force that renews itself, that reaches young people, that inspires international pride, and that demands institutional recognition.
At its deepest core, this report sets out a dual mandate: to "celebrate" the moment of splendor of the flamenco —a legacy of spirit and talent—and “act” with determination so that this energy does not lose rhythm or meaning. As Paco de Lucía said, flamenco "It is the soundtrack to our history." An ancestral heritage that today can—and should—look to the future with the same grandeur as its past.
This report, in short, is an invitation: the flamenco It watches us, but it depends on us. It's more alive than ever, and if we act decisively, it will live even longer. ♦
→ See the full report from EY Spain and the Paco de Lucía Foundation here.
