The ordinary people of Morón were fascinated by the young women from abroad walking through town in their miniskirts, creating culture shock that bridged decades of social development. People speak of the “American era,” but there were also tourists from other places…Germany, France, Canada, among others, and not all of them came for flamenco. Without a doubt, the great majority arrived in Morón to meet the legendary guitarist Diego del Gastor, hear him play the guitar, absorb his distinctive musical inflection, so different from the leading figures of the time, such as Sabicas or Ricardo, among others, and take in the Andalusian way of understanding life.
"Undoubtedly, the vast majority came to Morón to meet the legendary guitarist Diego del Gastor. To see him play the guitar. To absorb his unique musical style, so different from the figures of that time, Sabicas or Ricardo, among others, and to absorb the Andalusian way of understanding life."
From Chicago, New York, San Francisco, and countless other places, they arrived carrying little suitcases and all the enthusiasm in the world, determined to find the elusive "pure flamenco", that well-worn phrase which, to modern ears, sounds almost comical.
Businessman Don Pohren converted the Espartero estate on the outskirts of town into a rustic guesthouse and gathering place devoted to flamenco. Countless artists passed through those unforgettable fiestas, most notably Diego del Gastor and his nephews Juan, Agustín, Paco, and Dieguito, along with Miguel Funi, Fernanda de Utrera, the underrated singer Joselero de Morón and El Andorrano, as well as Pedro Bacán, Anzonini, Paco Valdepeñas, and many others. As I type their names, each so full with that elusive flamenco magic, the computer screen itself seems to fall into rhythm.
Well-to-do professionals from abroad would spend a week or two at the Espartero, immersed in fiestas, rustic food and flamenco, with informal excursions into the town of Morón. Bars such as El Pasaje, Bar Barea, and the iconic Casa Pepe became gathering places where rough local table wine flowed freely, accompanying impromptu flamenco get-togethers. Enthusiasts kept the rhythm with their knuckles on the tables, while beloved local figures such as Juan del Gastor and Andorrano joined in the festivities.
Outside Morón, there’s widespread belief that the U.S. air base on the outskirts of town sparked local interest in flamenco. It makes for a charming story, but it could not be further from the truth. The Americans stationed at the base had little interest in flamenco and, for the most part, did not even know what it was. In fact, many of them first set foot in Morón during the Gulf War, when newly arrived military personnel lined up outside the local travel agency to book trips to the Alhambra.
