About Us

BAY AREA FLAMENCO FESTIVAL

Recognized as one of the most vibrant flamenco festivals in the United States, THE BAY AREA FLAMENCO FESTIVALfeatures authentic world-renowned flamenco talent from Spain. Founded in 2005 by Artistic Director, Nina Menéndez, the Festival has grown into a popular and vital annual Bay Area cultural event. Sold out Festival performances have taken place at several of the best entertainment venues in the Bay Area. In addition to several days of live performances, lecture demos, film screenings workshops and master classes, as well as various informal gatherings provide the opportunity for cultural exchange and create a context for sharing cultural traditions and have a lasting impact on both participants and observers who are able to experience flamenco in a genuinely interactive and spontaneous environment.

FESTIVAL FLAMENCO GITANO
The Bay Area Flamenco Festival presents the annual FESTIVAL FLAMENCO GITANO USA in collaboration with presenters in other major cities all of whom have a strong track record in the field of flamenco dance, such as the World Music Institute in New York City and Kala Koa Entertainment in Los Angeles.

The Festival, under the artistic direction of it’s founder, Nina Menéndez, is dedicated to presenting grassroots flamenco from the Gypsy communities of Spain. The UNESCO has recognized flamenco as a World Heritage Treasure, acknowledging the Spanish Gypsies’ essential role in flamenco’s evolution. Celebrating Spanish Gypsy music and dance as a living culture and a legacy of world stature, the Festival has presented some of the most important figures in the history of flamenco as well as prodigies from today’s generation of artists.  In 2012 the Festival and its Artistic Director received a Special Honor from the Isadora Duncan Dance Awards for performances featuring a multigenerational group of tradition-bearers, heirs to a rich legacy of music and dance passed down through the families.

ARTISTS PRESENTED

Diego el Cigala, Manuela Carrasco, Los Farruco, Manuel Agujetas, Son de la Frontera, Miguel Funi, Inés Bacán, Pepe Torres, Angelita Vargas, Jairo Barrull, Jose Maya, Concha Vargas, Juan del Gastor and more.