Flamenco by the sea! Almuñecar announces free festival with Costa Tropical stars

Almuñecar is preparing a free afternoon of flamenco beside the Mediterranean, with local performers, live music and a communal paella planned for Saturday, November 21.

The celebrations will take place on Paseo del Altillo, with the stage set up in front of Pub Arena Flamenco. Proceedings begin at 2.30pm with a popular paella, before a programme of dancing, singing and flamenco fusion continues throughout the afternoon.

Local dance academy

The programme will feature the academy led by local dancer Paola Almodovar, followed by performances from Arena Flamenco dancers Ray Benitez and Vero ‘La India’.

Two singers from the Costa Tropical will also take to the stage. Almuñecar-born Antonio Gomez, known as ‘El Turry’, and Motril singer David De Jacoba will perform with guitarist Jose Fermin Fernandez. Flamenco fusion group Mestizay is scheduled to bring the day to a close.

Organisers say the event is free to attend and open to all ages, offering residents and visitors an opportunity to enjoy the traditional art form in a seafront setting.

The date follows International Flamenco Day on November 16, which commemorates the day UNESCO added flamenco to its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2010. The recognition reflects flamenco’s combination of singing, dance and musicianship, as well as its deep roots in Andalusian culture.

Almuñecar has a long association with flamenco, and the Paseo del Altillo is now home to Arena Flamenco, a dedicated tablao founded by singer Antonio Gomez ‘El Turry’ and local businesswoman Tamara Gomez. The venue runs regular live performances during the week. The town has previously celebrated the art form through events celebrating International Flamenco Day in Almuñecar.

With free entry, food and a line-up drawn from across the Costa Tropical, the November 21 celebration is expected to appeal to flamenco enthusiasts and anyone looking for a relaxed cultural afternoon by the sea. The seaside location makes it easy to combine the performances with a stroll along the promenade or a visit to the town centre and nearby shops.