You Won’t Want to Miss the Flamenco Arts Festival This Year
Santa Barbara enjoys a strong association with the arts, and it’s no wonder. From the colorful streets and architecture to the diverse, vibrant culture and its support of the arts, it’s only natural that the city would become a destination for the arts. A colorful variety of festivals take place here throughout the year, and the Flamenco Arts Festival is one that you’ll definitely want to add to your list.
What Is the Flamenco Arts Festival?
The Flamenco Arts Festival brings a flamenco company from Spain to Santa Barbara for four days of performance and education. The international festival provides an opportunity to learn about and admire another culture through dramatic performances by some of flamenco’s brightest stars.
The Flamenco Arts Festival takes place during Hispanic Heritage Month, happily joining with the rest of the United States to celebrate Hispanics as well as “the heritage and culture of all Americans, which is freely shared with all who value the richness that comes with diversity.”
Santa Barbara is an excellent place for this event which is steeped in cultural and artistic motivations. It’s a city that has long been welcoming to diversity, and as you walk through its streets (and especially the Funk Zone), this will be evident.
What Will I See at the Flamenco Arts Festival?
September 26th
The festival kicks off on September 26th with the Opening Night Reception. The event is free to those who have tickets to the Opening Night Concert. Head to the Lobero Theatre Esplanade where you can mingle with other festivalgoers and enjoy a wine tasting courtesy of Santa Barbara Winery as your anticipation builds.
The Opening Night Concert will take place after the Opening Night Reception. You’ll enjoy the Santa Barbara debut of the Andres Vadin Project, showcasing the flamenco guitar as a universal instrument capable of spanning many genres.
September 27th-28th
Talented artists will offer dance and music workshops for everyone from established professionals to absolute beginners. The idea of these workshops is to provide accessible and affordable training and to create an opportunity for direct interaction. This year, there will be classes in dance, guitar, singing, and cajon (drum) as well as free introductory classes for children and adults.
September 28th
On Saturday, the festival culminates in a series of grand events. First, a Red Carpet Gala and an awards ceremony will introduce the premiere of FARO. The Alberto Pizano Award for the Arts will be given to flamenco icon Luisa Triana in recognition of her contributions to the arts as a dancer, choreographer, and visual artist for seven decades.
After the award ceremony, Eduardo Guerrero will perform in a breathtaking US premiere of FARO at the Lobero Theatre. Finally, there will be an after party until midnight in the enchanting Lobero Courtyard in celebration of the founding Flamenco Arts Festival, 20 years ago in 1999. You won’t want to miss this breathtaking festival!
Stay in Luxury
The Cheshire Cat Inn is just a few blocks away from the Lobero Theatre as well as other top attractions in downtown Santa Barbara, including State Street. At the same time, we’re tucked away on a quiet street so that you’d never know you were in the heart of the city. We welcome you to browse all the accommodations at our luxurious inn. You’re sure to find something you love, whether it’s the touch of whimsy, daily social hour, or something else altogether.
