The International Awards of Flamenco and its priceless moments

Since 2021 I have been presenting this gala which each edition manages to bring together on one stage different and historic protagonists of the field flamenco from all its facets: cantetouch, dance, fashion, research…

I remember my first time at these awards. First times, they say, are unforgettable. It happened in November 2021, when we celebrated the Day of Flamenco at the Castle of Santiago, Sanlúcar de Barrameda, on a cold morning in which the School of Flamenco Andalusia delivered the International Awards of the Flamenco four aces from the deck: Manuel Morao, on the guitar, Carmen Linares, in the cante, Carmen Ledesma, in the dance, and Luis Suarez Avila, in the investigation.

It was the seventh edition of these awards, which have grown to cover eighteen categories, something that isn't easy for the presenter to manage. Now there's one element to keep in mind every time I take on that role at this event—in fact, it's always the case with any other: time. This tenth edition, held on November 16th at the Cádiz Congress Palace, being called for the first time Silverio Franconetti (instead of Manolo Sanlúcar as in recent years), top athletes have been awarded in the eighteen disciplines that both the president of the EFA, Luis Guillermo Cortes, the director of the PIF, Manolo Bohorquez, and the PIF Advisory Council, a large number of discerning palates, have considered.

It was Bohórquez who trusted me to present this gala which, as we have already pointed out, has been growing in number, duration, quality, institutional representation, dissemination… Even South Channel More ha The evening was broadcast and it remains on the schedule so that it can be viewed anywhere in the world via the Internet. It should also be noted, that His Majesty King Felipe VI He has held the Honorary Presidency of these awards since January 2024. We cannot say that we have just anything on our hands.

"Lucía Beltrán pulled out her notes when it came to speaking, after having sung seguiriyas accompanied by Patrocinio Hijo on guitar. Behind her were Aurora Vargas, Gerardo Núñez, El Pele, Pepa Montes… the awards for Mastery, Guitar, Cante And the dance competition of this edition. Who's bidding higher?

This year has once again brought moments of immeasurable value. We are unlikely to see those faces embraced on a stage more often, united in the joy of a festive day, a day on which justice is done to numerous figures who have contributed to... flamenconot always from the front page, that is, from a flamenco stage. flamenco It's much more than singing, dancing, or playing instruments, which of course could be considered the backbone of this culture. Here, the fans are rewarded, this time to Jaime del Pozo, one of the founders of the Peña Torres MacarenaHis daughter was there. María, sister of the Minister of Culture of the Andalusian Regional Government, crying at the memory. La Peña Henry the Twin He also collected his award, along with his president, Litoand many other members seated in the stands. His words were truly moving. Juan Valdes, for the Visual Arts, Just Salao, in flamenco fashion, or Manolo MarinFor her mastery and artistry, dancing on stage with hypnotic dolls. We all wanted, at least I did, to have a drink and continue the party without any formalities. We had to keep going, with Ernestina Van de Noort of the Netherlands Biennial, and his remembrance of Moraíto, Carlos Martin Ballester, from the Circle Flamenco Madrid, a total reference in national programming, or the The Cordobes tablaoa Luis Adames “with the same enthusiasm as always.” Javier OsunaThe researcher from Cádiz collected his award and, before that, had left his book on my lectern. The Bundles of Pericón (1512)As a gift. Thank you!

The award for communication went to Romualdo Molinawho couldn't attend, but left us a thank-you video, which her daughter collected. She also didn't attend Ricardo Pachón, His daughter was also present as an award for the record production. Both appeared nervous representing their respective parents. Geniuses at home. Gualberto García, With his hat, he demonstrated abundant sensitivity, and Juanma Suárez, remembering Manolo Sanlúcar who helped him win the award in the documentary category. Lucia Beltran He pulled out his notes when it came time to speak, after having sung seguiriyas during a break, with the guitar of Child SponsorshipBehind him, literally, was Aurora Vargas, Gerardo Núñez, El Pele, Pepa Montes… the awards for Mastery, Guitar, Cante And the dance of this edition. Who'll top that? She showed courage and received a standing ovation. Pepa dedicated her award to her husband. Ricardo Minho, who was recording it with her mobile phone from the front row, El Pele to all the authorities and “his brothers-in-law”, jokingly, singing toná from the lectern; Gerardo Núñez told some anecdotes and had words for his wife, Carmen Cortesand for her children, and Aurora remembered “those who are no longer here.”

Pele finished with a soleá. He blew everyone away, me first. What a performance, my God. Everyone on their feet. Two and a half hours of almost gala-like music. There were still authorities scheduled to speak, but they were truly discreet, which we appreciated. Luis Guillermo announced that they would begin planning the International Awards in the coming days. Flamenco Silverio Franconetti 2026. I'm going to start warming up my voice. ♦