The 9th Cabildo Flamenco in Archidona will take place July 3-4 at Escua, featuring artists like Kiko Veneno and Gualberto. Organizers highlight a tribute to innovation and female voices in flamenco.
The 9th edition of the Cabildo Flamenco, a cultural staple in Archidona, was officially presented this Friday at the town hall. Scheduled for July 3 and 4, the event will be held at the Escua venue, a space that has become synonymous with artistic expression in the region. This year’s festival, organized by the José Luis Ortiz Nuevo Association, aims to challenge traditional notions of flamenco purity and celebrate musical crossover.
Pablo Garrido, Archidona’s councillor for culture, opened the presentation by emphasizing the logistical effort behind the event. He urged residents to participate and praised the association for crafting a lineup designed to attract both purists and newcomers. The festival’s philosophical backbone is drawn from José Luis Ortiz Nuevo’s 'Alegato contra la pureza' (Plea Against Purity), which marks its 30th anniversary this year. During the presentation, Ortiz Nuevo argued that 'flamenco art is enormous, immense, profound, but at its core it does not have purity,' advocating instead for mix, research, and constant innovation over immobility.
A significant focus of this year’s festival is the role of women in flamenco. Ortiz Nuevo noted that 'the cry of flamenco is a woman’s cry,' with artists like Rocío Boterita and Ana Pastrana set to feature prominently. The program kicks off on Friday, July 3, with performances by Electroverdiales, Kiki Morente, and Carlos Emblemática. Saturday, July 4, will include an opening speech by Antonio Campos and Ortiz Nuevo, panel discussions, and headline acts from Gualberto, celebrating his 80th birthday, and Kiko Veneno. Other notable names include a variety of emerging talents that underscore the festival’s commitment to diversity.
Compared to previous editions, this year’s Cabildo Flamenco places a stronger emphasis on reinterpreting traditional forms. While last year’s festival focused on the roots of flamenco in rural Andalusia, the 2026 edition deliberately seeks to break boundaries. Organizers have also increased the number of workshops and interactive sessions, allowing attendees to engage directly with artists. The venue, Escua, will host a continuous schedule of performances and debates, creating a dialogue between established figures and new voices.
Tickets for both days are already on sale. They can be purchased in advance through the Entradium website or physically at Estanco Mariola in Archidona. A two-day pass is available for those wishing to experience the full scope of the festival. With a lineup that spans from electronic flamenco fusion to classic cante, the 9th Cabildo Flamenco promises to be a vibrant celebration of artistic freedom. For locals and visitors alike, this event offers a rare opportunity to witness flamenco’s evolution in an intimate setting. The organizers advise early booking as capacity is limited. As Ortiz Nuevo concluded, 'Innovation is not a threat to tradition; it is its lifeblood.' The festival aims to prove that point with every note.
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