Tuxedos for men and long dresses for women. This is one of the aesthetic characteristics of this Awards Gala Flamenco Cajasol, in which a large number of artists accompany the winners of each edition. They have only been held for two years and the objective of the organizers, according to the president of the Cajasol Foundation, Antonio Pulido, is that these awards are “the red carpet” for the artists of the flamencoThe venue for the party is the Plaza de San Francisco (Seville), the cultural lung of the capital that hosts all kinds of activities every day and, on certain nights, our art takes to the stage on the occasion of the Thursday Flamencos who celebrated their 2025th birthday in XNUMX. That was the reason, the special anniversary, to create these awards dedicated to personalities who maintain an impeccable career, as has happened on this occasion with José Mercé, Paco Cepero and Manolo Marín.
I was there and enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere among artists. I missed my colleagues from the specialized press, although I shared a table with other colleagues from general media such as RTVE, Canal Sur RTVA, and Europa Press. If I had to name all the artists of the flamenco who were present on Tuesday night at Cajasol, two things would happen. On the one hand, it would be like the long list in the yellow pages. And, on the other hand, I would forget someone. To give some examples, to highlight names, I greeted Aurora Vargas, Manuela Carrasco, Esperanza Fernandez, Concha Vargas, Jesus Mendez, Archangel, Ezequiel Benitez, Antonio Reyes…and I’m going to stay there because I don’t want to bore you.
The gala took place at a certain pace, with the presentation of the model and actress Laura Sánchez and the presence of political authorities such as the Minister of Culture, Patricia of the Well, the mayor of Jerez, Maria José García Pelayo, the Delegate of Culture and Citizenship of the Provincial Council of Seville, Casimiro Fernandez…among others. I don't think there was any representation from Seville City Council. I think so.
Manuel Lombo, coordinator of the event, came out at the beginning to greet and, above all, to give thanks, encouraging the viewers and those gathered there to "believe in the flamenco, we must keep it in the place it deserves, giving it category as we do tonight." Before, relying on a text from David Ladrón de Guevara and in the voice in off de Marina Heredia, the dance of Agueda Saavedra It led us to dream of beauty in motion. It glided sensually and racially, which is difficult to combine both concepts in a single body, with a pair of castanets. Maria Terremoto She was invited to come on stage to dedicate her soleá, from her latest album, to the award winners. She was accompanied by the Jerez-born sonanta of Nono Jero, giving rhythm to the cante. Solemn moment for the solo guitar of Pedro Sierra, also by soleá, but with truly valuable harmonies and a great personality, all from a deep review of the traditional touch.
Paco Cepero expressed his gratitude for this recognition, which "gives me life, because when I die, I don't want anything posthumously." It was presented to him by Patricia del Pozo, to whom the composer whispered something in her ear.
They have already started to give out the awards and the first to go up was the Jerez maestro Paco Cepero, who is about to celebrate 70 years in active service since his debut in the Falla Theatre at the age of 16From each winner, a video of just three minutes was presented. Paco, as usual, expressed his gratitude for this recognition, which "gives me life, because when I die, I don't want anything posthumously." It was presented to him by Patricia del Pozo, to whom the composer whispered something in her ear, something we never learned.
Then Manolo MarinWhat class! Simple and approachable, with that natural stage pose that clearly tells us he's a dancer. The choreographer, who established his school on Rodrigo de Triana Street decades ago, "after traveling the world," appeared "a little nervous" and championed new trends and technique, but without "forgetting the flavor." He was presented with the Lombo Award.
The last to collect the statuette was also from Jerez Jose Merce, claiming to “Patri” (the counselor) that “there is a lot of money for other things but for the flamenco There is always little." He did so with a laugh, but he let it out. José said, among other things, that the cante It is neither "small nor big, the interpreter does that, because Just as a seguiriya by Uncle Chocolate or Uncle Fernando Terremoto is great, so is a fandango by Uncle Paco Toronjo.". Pulido was the one who handed it over.
To conclude the gala, the dancer Alberto Selles She sang and danced alegrías, interspersing it with the words "I'm going to lose my mind for your love." She's a talent that stands out among her generation, displaying great stage presence and self-confidence. Her forte is dancing.
We went to the patio for dinner and with great artistry, around midnight, we said our goodbyes until the next edition, which will surely feature other great award winners. The Toy Store, a cocktail bar in the square, we met those who still wanted to extend the night a little longer with a good drink and an interesting, or not, conversation.
