By Sara Atencio-Gonzales, The Paper. – Festival Flamenco Albuquerque will return for its 39th year, bringing world-renowned artists, emerging talent and thousands of flamenco enthusiasts to New Mexico for what organizers call the largest flamenco festival outside of Spain.
Presented by the National Institute of Flamenco in partnership with the National Hispanic Cultural Center, the nine-day festival will feature more than 25 performances, workshops and events across Albuquerque. According to festival director and curator Marisol Encinias, the scale of the event continues to make it a unique cultural fixture in the city.
“It’s the largest flamenco festival in the world, outside of Spain,” says Encinias. “It’s an international event that takes place here in Albuquerque.”
This year’s festival will bring 87 artists from Spain, along with performers from Mexico and across the United States, to teach and perform throughout the week. Encinias says organizing an event of that magnitude takes months of preparation and the dedication of staff, artists and supporters.
Festival Flamenco’s roots in Albuquerque stretch back nearly four decades, but Encinias explains that the city’s connection to Spanish and Hispanic cultural traditions reaches much further into New Mexico’s history. She credits generations of artists and educators, including her mother, Eva Encinias, founder of the National Institute of Flamenco and the festival, with helping establish Albuquerque as a flamenco destination.
Over the years, that work has helped create a thriving community for artists and audiences alike. “We’ve been able to create an ecosystem that supports that practice,” says Encinias.
That ecosystem has transformed Albuquerque into a hub for flamenco artists from around the world. Encinias compares the city to established flamenco centers in Spain, where performers, musicians, teachers and audiences come together to sustain the art form.
The festival lineup reflects that broad vision. Encinias says she seeks a balance between traditional flamenco, contemporary interpretations and large-scale theatrical productions while also creating opportunities for the next generation of artists. “Those emerging artists at some point will be the icons and the legends,” says Encinias.
The festival opens June 20 with De Scheherezade, a large-scale work by celebrated Spanish choreographer and dancer María Pagés. Encinias describes the production as one of the performances she is most eager for Albuquerque audiences to experience.
“It’s magnificent to see,” says Encinias. “And this work is very special.”
She is also excited to present acclaimed flamenco singer Miguel Poveda, whom she calls one of the leading vocalists of his generation. The festival will also spotlight local talent, including Albuquerque artist Kayla Lyle, whose work will be presented before an international audience.
Encinias explains that by showcasing both established stars and emerging performers is part of the festival’s mission. “Being presented here is important for an artist,” says Encinias.
For newcomers, Encinias hopes the festival expands their understanding of flamenco beyond familiar stereotypes. “I always like it when somebody says, ‘Oh, that’s nothing like I ever thought it would be,'” says Encinias.
Encinias hopes audiences are often surprised by the range of artistic expression found within flamenco, from traditional music and dance to contemporary and theatrical works.
As Festival Flamenco Albuquerque approaches four decades, Encinias believes its greatest achievement is the community it has helped build.
“I think it’s important that you know that this has become an important pillar in our community, and in Albuquerque,” says Encinias.
Festival Flamenco Albuquerque runs June 20-28. Performances will take place at the National Hispanic Cultural Center and other venues throughout the city. Ticket prices vary. For tickets and performance information, visit the National Hispanic Cultural Center website (nhccnm.org/events). A complete festival schedule, including workshops and additional events, is available at ffabq.org.
If you go…
39th Annual Festival Flamenco Albuquerque
- June 20 through 28
- For tickets and performance information, visit the National Hispanic Cultural Center website (nhccnm.org/events)