July 24 to 30 Lo Ferro flamenco festival in Torre Pacheco

Authentic flamenco at the 43nd annual Lo Ferro flamenco festival

The 2023 edition of the Lo Ferro flamenco festival, which is held in the tiny village of Lo Ferro near Roldán in the municipality of Torre Pacheco, takes place from Monday July 24 to Sunday July 30, featuring a host of artists who remain true to the authentic roots of the genre.

There are different kind of concerts in this week-long festival, including flamenco singing, dancing and guitar. Curiously, the winner of the singing competition is traditionally granted the much-coveted “Melón de Oro” (or Golden Melon) award.

The programme always includes gala performances by established flamenco artists and is billed as the “International Festival of Flamenco Song”.

All of the scheduled events take place at the Fair Ground (Recinto del Festival), located on Calle Juan de Solís, 30709 Lo Ferro-Torre Pacheco.

Tickets are available on the www.loferroflamenco.com website and the schedule for this year is as follows:

Monday July 24 at 22.00: The opening speeches of the festival are followed by the 18^th festival of flamenco academies, featuring the local Torre Pacheco school and the “Manolete” school from Granada.

Tuesday July 25 at 22.00: A performance by guitarist and composer Paco Cepero and Rancapino Chico is followed by Miguel Flores, “El Capullo de Jerez”. The “Sebastián Escudero” prize will be awarded to Paco Cepero.

Wednesday July 26 at 22.00: Ezequiel Benítez and Mayte Martín as well as Antonio Haya “El Jaro” with guitarist Antonio Migueles.

Thursday July 27 at 22.00: The first semi-final of the “Cante” or singing, competition, with Migeul de Tena and guitarist Patrocinio Hijo.

Friday July 28 at 22.00: The second semi-final of the “Cante” or singing, competition, with performances by Joaquín Grilo and Cynthia Cano.

Saturday July 29 at 22.00: The final of the Cante Flamenco competition, with a performance by the flamenco ballet of Lo Ferro, directed by María Dolores Ros.

Sunday July 30 at 20.00: The final “Flamenco Mass”, with singer Antonio Carrión and accompaniment from Antonio Fernández “El Torero” as well as the official guitarists of the festival.

The National Flamenco Festival of Lo Ferro

The festival dates back to 1979 in Lo Ferro, a small village which probably pre-dates Roldán itself but has remained in the shadow of the town throughout the recent period of growth. It has acquired a prestigious reputation and widespread popularity, bringing together on stage some of the best known names in the flamenco world.

This festival weaves in all of the elements of flamenco, with dance performances combined with singing and guitar competitions, although cante, vocals, are the most important element.

Warning: This is pure flamenco, not the polka dot “Viva España” version so often performed in tourist bars, so be aware when booking! Pure flamenco is a profound art form which tears at the soul, but it can be harsh on untrained ears for those unaccustomed to its rhythms and innuendo.

For more upcoming events in the Region of Murcia go to the What’s on section of Murcia Today.