Los gitanos y el flamenco

Los gitanos  The term "Gypsies" is used by outsiders to label an ethnic group the members of which refer to themselves as Roma and speak a language known as Romaní.  They follow a nomadic life-style, tend to culturally isolate themselves thus creating a sense of mystery surrounding them and their origins.  It is generally accepted that Gypsies migrated out of India or Pakistan into Europe as early as the 11th century.

 There is a large population of gitanos in southern Spain in Andaluc ía  One of the major contributions of the gitanos is FLAMENCO - music and dance.

Flamenco:  Fusion of at least four cultures:  the gypsies  the Moors/Arabs  the Jews  the indigenous Andalusians  Throughout history, Flamenco has been an outlet for the poor and oppressed.

3 Part Art  La guitarra (the guitar)  El baile (the dance)  Los vocales (the vocals)

 The handclapping or palmas is also considered an art.

Flamenco: La guitarra  Lighter than the classic guitar  Strumming and rhythm patterns  Tapping  Improvisation

Flamenco: Los vocales  From the heart and soul  Very passionate

Flamenco: El baile  Improvisation  Elaborate dresses, lots of times red  Elaborate movements with hands and feet

The Gipsy Kings

 Progressive pop-oriented flamenco group  Members are two bands of brothers: the Reyes, and the Baliardos  They are the descendants of Spanish gypsy families that fled to France to escape Spain’s Civil War.  Reyes means Kings in Spanish.  Very proud of their last name and being gypsies, hence their name.

?v=cJZ4UA18HGw Video of Flamenco street performance