El flamenco, declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, has added a new institutional ally to continue asserting itself as one of Spain's main artistic genres. For the first time, Paradores and the festival of Flamenco of Merida have signed a collaboration agreement that highlights art jondo in an environment of incalculable heritage wealth.
The signing of the agreement, led by Rachel Sanchez, president of Paradores, and Francisca Martín, director of the Festival, represents a boost to the fourth edition of this event, to be held between October 18 and November 8, 2025. On this occasion, the program will revolve around the unique figure of Juan Peña The Lebrijano, with five high-level shows that will be held at the historic María Luisa Theater in Mérida.
Raquel Sánchez highlighted the role of Paradores as a cultural agent in the territories where it operates: "We unite tourism and culture in a single experience, offering travelers not only accommodation, but unique experiences. With this alliance, we contribute to the dissemination of the flamenco as universal art and the enhancement of the monumental heritage housed in our network of establishments."
"We combine tourism and culture in a single experience, offering travelers not only accommodation, but also unique experiences. With this alliance, we contribute to the dissemination of flamenco as universal art»
The collaboration includes direct benefits for the Friends of Paradores, who will be able to enjoy a 20% discount on Festival tickets if they stay at the Parador de Mérida. In addition, visitors visiting any of the Paradores in Extremadura—in Cáceres, Plasencia, Trujillo, Jarandilla, Guadalupe, Mérida, or Zafra—can find out about the flamenco program through the materials available at each establishment, as well as in the chain's magazine, website, and social media channels.
Also contemplated are benefits for participating artists and companies, which will offer special accommodation rates and the use of Parador spaces for parallel Festival activities. The aim is to forge lasting synergies, fostering joint cultural projects in the medium and long term.
With this agreement, the capital of Extremadura continues to consolidate itself as a first-class flamenco venue, where el cante, the touch and the dance dialogue with the ancient history of its streets.
