Flamenco as a Symbol of Spain’s Cultural Identity

The Embassy of the Kingdom of Spain in Lithuania and the National Museum – Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania cordially invite you to celebrate the International Flamenco Day together, observed worldwide on November 16. Following Spain’s National Day (Día de la Hispanidad), celebrated on October 12, this is the second-most significant day in the country’s cultural and historical calendar, attracting widespread public attention. In 2010, Flamenco was inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List.

 

Flamenco – a unique Spanish art form that combines dance, song, and music – originated in Andalusia, southern Spain. Its roots date back to the Arab period on the Iberian Peninsula and were strongly influenced by Roma dance and music traditions. The Flamenco tradition took its final shape in the 18th century. Its elements – dance movements, guitar accompaniment, and rhythmic hand clapping – are passed down from generation to generation or from master to student. Today, there are more than fifty distinct Flamenco performance styles. Through movement, voice, instruments, and vibrant traditional costumes, Flamenco artists express profound emotions and states of the soul.

 

The Flamenco Cultural Evening at the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania serves as an introduction to the first Flamenco Festival in Lithuania, organised by the Embassy of the Kingdom of Spain in Klaipėda on November 15–16 this year. It is hoped that this festival will become a cherished tradition in our country.

 

During the event, special attention will be given to key elements of the Flamenco tradition – dance, music, and costume. The evening will feature music by renowned Spanish flautist and composer O’scar de Manuel, whose works blend Flamenco and symphonic elements. Together with his Valencia Flamenco Flute Orchestra (OFF Valencia), he has performed throughout Europe, the Americas, and Asia. Among his most notable compositions are Requiem for a Life Lived (Requiem para una Vida Vivida), performed with the Ecuador Symphony Orchestra, the Flamenco opera Dancing with Carmen (Bailando con Carmen), and the project Con Cierto Duende, presented at the Royal Theatre of Madrid and later released as his debut album, which won The Music Awards 2021.

 

Another essential element of Flamenco culture – the colourful dance costumes and characteristic accessories – will be presented by Pedro González, Artistic Director of the International Flamenco Fashion Week (SIMOF) and President of the Qlamenko Association. The association’s members are leading creators of Flamenco fashion in Spain. With many years of experience as a stylist, lecturer, and author of publications on fashion and etiquette, González reveals Flamenco fashion as a vital part of Spain’s cultural heritage.

 

The cultural evening will conclude with a performance by talented young dancer Elena Tello Dobilaitė (Valencia, Spain). A laureate of several dance competitions, Elena currently studies at Botanik Espai de Dansa, a dance school in Valencia, where she continues to refine her Flamenco technique. On November 16, 2025, Elena will take part in the International Flamenco Day events in Klaipėda – the first Flamenco Festival in Lithuania. This will be the young dancer’s second performance in the country of her Lithuanian roots. In 2024, she performed in Vilnius Town Hall Square during the Lithuanian Song Festival, representing the Spanish Lithuanian Community.

 

Simultaneous translation into Spanish will be provided during the event.