Flamenco, the famed folk dance and music originating in southern Spain, will be celebrated again soon in Vancouver.
The annual Vancouver International Flamenco Festival is celebrating 35 years in 2025 with nine days of performances from groups of local and visiting dancers and musicians.
"As one of the few celebrated festivals devoted to flamenco art outside of Spain, the Vancouver International Flamenco Festival nurtures flamenco’s hybridized roots in Sephardic, Persian, Gypsy and Indian cultures," according to the event's website.
This year, there will be free and ticketed events in Vancouver.
The programming will feature artists from Spain, the United States, Mexico, Cuba, Iran, Morocco and Canada, say organizers.
The festival go beyond performances, though, with workshops for those interested in learning the art form. There'll be an introductory flamenco class on Sept 20, and masterclass workshops the following week.
The festival will kick off with a series of free weekend afternoon performances at Granville Island on Sept. 20 and 21 at the Picnic Pavilion Stage.
Following the free shows, ticketed performances will be held at the Waterfront Theatre, Vancouver Playhouse and the St James Community Square throughout the week. There will also be a free showing of the short film "Be/Sois" at the Alliance Française Vancouver on Sept. 23.
Other festival highlights include "Soulfulness" by (festival organizers) Flamenco Rosario at the Vancouver Playhouse, which is "in celebration of 35 years of passion and dedication with a showcase of ensemble and solo works."
Guest musicians José El Cachito' Díaz (vocalist) and Caroline Planté (on guitar) will also present a special music concert at the Mel Lehan Hall; the two are long-time collaborators with Flamenco Rosario.
Vancouver International Flamenco Festival
When: Sept. 20 to 28, 2025
Where: Various locations around Vancouver
Cost: Free events on Saturday, Sept. 20, and Sunday, Sept. 21. Ticketed shows cost between $34 and $70 (including fees).
