Albuquerque, New Mexico, has become an unlikely epicenter for flamenco in North America, thanks to the efforts of the National Institute of Flamenco and its director, Marisol Encinias.
This spring, their show “Flamenco Fandanguero: Primos de la Raza Cósmica” captivated audiences with a unique blend of traditional flamenco and local New Mexican influences.
The performance featured simplified costumes and Veracruz’s son jarocho music, highlighting the cultural ties between New Mexico and the Mexican port city of Veracruz.
Encinias describes New Mexico as the “northernmost frontier of Latin America,” emphasizing the state’s rich mix of Indigenous and Hispanic heritage. As per to the source thrillist
“Our interpretation of flamenco is in connection to our identity as native New Mexicans, as people of color with mixed ancestry,” she explains. This localized take on flamenco aims to empower the community and instill pride in their diverse cultural identity.
The unique character of Albuquerque’s flamenco is further distinguished by the University of New Mexico, the only institution globally offering an accredited undergraduate and MFA program with concentrations in flamenco.
This academic commitment has solidified the city’s reputation as a flamenco hub.
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Adding to its flamenco prestige, Albuquerque hosts the Flamenco Festival Alburquerque, the largest and oldest flamenco festival outside Spain.
The 37th festival, running from June 21-29, will showcase performances across three city venues, celebrating the art form’s deep-rooted local presence.
The flamenco revolution in Albuquerque can be traced back to the rhythmic lineage of the Encinias family. Marisol Encinias has been instrumental in cultivating this vibrant flamenco scene, transforming the city into a cultural beacon for this passionate dance.
From “Breaking Bad” fame to hot air balloon festivals, Albuquerque now proudly adds flamenco to its unique cultural tapestry, demonstrating how deeply art can become intertwined with local identity.