El Guillena Town Hall, with its Culture Department at the helm and the good will of Tati By coordinating the big event, he continues to invest in his festival flamenco The summer festival, which will celebrate its twentieth anniversary in 2027, doesn't have the history or tradition of others that have already far surpassed their golden anniversaries (El Potaje, La Puebla, Mairena, or El Gazpacho de Morón), although it is crafting its own narrative with clear objectives of achieving excellence with each edition. The festival's name is... The Buleria, taking inspiration from the pioneering one in Jerez, created in 1967, but the surname is that of 'Alberto Valdivia Arteaga', one of those who shaped it from the Peña Flamenca The brook and we already remember him in our memory because of his sudden passing.
If this event is known for anything, it's for the support of the young public every year, something I want to highlight here. #FromWithinBecause it can be said with certainty that there is a future in Guillena. Although a few years ago many female fans or partners of some of the directors of the peña They used to attend the show in a state of grace; now they arrive with their strollers or their babies in their arms. The little tree, even when it was tiny.
The temperature on July 4th in Andalusia wasn't exactly conducive to staying in the village, but the usual crowd was there, waiting for the gates to open. Little by little, the bullring filled up, eventually exceeding a thousand people. The dressing rooms were located in the infirmary of the arena, and the most common phrase heard there at ten o'clock at night was: "It's so hot!" At ten thirty sharp, the show began with the youngest of the artists on the bill, the Jerez native. Manuel MonkHe's thirteen years old, though he sounds old. He's in the process of adapting to a new voice, a common occurrence at his age. He's working on it and must continue this process. It's very inspiring to see him striving to fulfill his dreams, as he has been doing for as long as he can remember, sharing stages with Diego del Morao, Niña Pastori or Miguel PovedaIn Guillena, he had to break the ice (if you'll excuse the expression, given the 38°C heat) with his guitar. Nono Jero and palmas de Luis de Lua and PiruloHe triumphed with his bulerías performance, leaving a lasting impression with his final fandango. Afterwards, he stayed to chat with the masters, sharing and learning. He's the kind of person the flamenco must take care.
Jose de la TomasaHe, who lives in Guillena, didn't want to miss the event and sat there until the early hours of the morning, greeting people, commenting, showing off… He's a great guy and the artists had kind words for him. fabi She immediately went up to confirm that she is one of the hottest artists of the moment, an absolute conqueror. She can't hide, bow down, or much less deceive the public. She is frank and gives herself completely, which is why she connects like few others. There, next to work carrasco to the guitar, Diego Peña Montoya, Juan Grande and Angel Peñaat palmas, once again brought the audience to their feet.
"Fabi herself told her backstage: 'I've learned so much from you, Aurora.' The one from Seville, the grand dame of..." cante From Andalusia, she also displayed brilliance. Aurora Vargas looks like she's just made her debut; her eyes sparkle and her smile dazzles. Aurora's soleá is of VORS quality. And she sang bulerías! Gifts of life!
And from a disciple to a master. Fabi herself told her backstage: "I've learned so much from you, Aurora." The one from Seville, the grand dame of cante From Andalusia, he also displayed genius. Aurora Vargas She looks like she's just made her debut; her eyes sparkle and her smile dazzles. It was The Pearl The one who embraced her with the guitar, and had kind words for the now dearly missed Miguel Salado, And the palmas were those of Manuel Salado, Diego Montoya and El PeteteAurora's soleá is in VORS quality. And in the style of bulerías! Gifts of life.
Rancapine Chico y Antonio Higuero They arrived to quell the revolution started by their predecessors. Gypsy sweetness in a voice acclaimed and essential to today's fans. His gaze upon the past, that which shaped his growth alongside his father, the great, is truly moving. RancapineAnd with malagueñas or alegrías, he raises castles of elves. palmas de Edu Gomez y The Pijote They paused time, turning it way back, so Alonso could let loose with some bulerías. The audience wanted more and more, and he didn't hesitate to close with fandangos. He dedicated a few [songs/performances] to him cante a Carmen Tello, woman of rosemary workwho, as I was told, "if it hadn't been for the heat... would be here."
The Farru Her elegant and refined dance reminded us of the 75th anniversary of José Monge Cruz Camarón de la IslaEven his guitar, carved with the face of the genius from San Fernando, was a testament to his talent. Juan Anguita the one who played lead guitar, with the cante experienced Pepe de Pura and the taste of Ezequiel Montoya, with the percussion of Manuel Lozano LoloNobody wanted to leave; the temperature was starting to feel a bit more pleasant… The audience was very enthusiastic and showed it to the Sevillian dancer, who won a top spot in the flamencoHer feet are dizzy, but she stops and looks straight ahead, she stands tall and dances like only she knows how. She also sings and plays the guitar… Pure, unadulterated talent.
Thus ends a festival that once again ranks among the top ten of the summer. ♦
