Equuscapes

November 16th is a special day if like us, you love Flamenco. in 2020, UNESCO declared the art of Flamenco as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The people of Andalucía never need a reason for a party, but this day is a perfect one for everyone to move with even more passion and pride.

Running from Storm Claudia, we safely made it to Jerez, a city that is considered the birthplace of Flamenco, always celebrates the heritage in very authentic fashion. Unfortunately the floods meant we missed the daytime Flamenco Flash Mob in town, so we headed into the beautiful back streets. It didn’t take long to find some people celebrating the day, and Malen and Fran took us straight to the sort of Flamenco bar you dream of – tiny, intimate and atmospheric.

We settled in a with a sherry and quickly realised that Tabanco El Pasaje is somewhere special. It’s up close, with seating for perhaps 30, and the closeness creates a connection with the dancer, singer and guitarist that leaves a lasting impression on your heart.

We extend our huge thanks to the Bailora who came and chatted at the end, such a strong, vibrant lady, and to Malen and Fran who we spent the evening with. Malen gave me a fantastic lesson and far better understanding of the timing of the Flamenco palmas – the clapping that creates a foundation for it all to happen. It’s harder than it looks, and there’s a complexity and tricky offbeat that’s new to me, but I’m getting there. If you’re in Jerez – be sure to put this venue on your list!