The Vancouver International Flamenco Festival starts today (and runs until September 30), featuring a variety of performances, classes, and events that showcase the beauty of flamenco. 

But what, exactly, is flamenco? Why, we’re so glad you asked. This art form was created in the Romani subculture of southern Spain’s Andalusia region. Its history dates back to the late 18th century, and encompasses dance, theatre, music, and more.

Here in 2023, it’s being presented at a variety of events in this year’s Vancouver International Flamenco Festival. Here are six that you do not want to miss. 

Qairo

This seven-person dance ensemble brings a mix of vocals, saxophone, clarinet, guitar, and footwork for a rhythmic, emotionally-charged performance at the Fox Cabaret. 

When: September 20, 8pm

Where: Fox Cabaret

Admission: $25

PLACE/is a city written on this body?

This dance performance from Rosanna Terracciano interprets three different cities: Calgary, “a ghost story of love and hate”; Napoli, “a folk dance of language and seed”; and Sevilla, “a lullaby to another life.”

When: September 21, 8pm

Where: Waterfront Theatre

Admission: $42

Jafelin & Flor de Caña

A full 11 performers will take to the stage in a showcase of traditional flamenco and Spanish Latin songs, and includes the Mexican bailaora Marien Luevano. 

When: September 22, 8pm

Where: Waterfront Theatre

Admission: $42

RITE

Four artists—Myriam Allard, Hedi Graja, Caroline Planté, and Miguel Medina—join forces to balance body, voice, guitar, and percussion in a performance that returns to the roots of flamenco’s foundation. 

When: September 23, 8pm

Where: Waterfront Theatre

Admission: $42

Caída del Cielo (Fallen From Heaven)

Rocío Molina embraces both the natural world and the beauty of the human body in this performance that has been a standout on the international stage. Read our interview with Molina here.

When: September 27 to 30, 8pm

Where: Fei and Milton Wong Experimental Theatre, SFU Goldcorp Centre for the Arts

Admission: $35+

Picnic Pavilion

Those hoping to check out some of BC’s best flamenco artists can do so for free on Granville Island for the weekend of September 23 and 24. Find the full lineup here. 

When: September 23 and 24

Where: Granville Island

Admission: Free