Though born an ocean apart, flamenco and son jarocho share striking similarities. Both traditions grew from centuries of cultural blending — African, Indigenous American, Iberian, and Romani influences — carried across the Atlantic through colonization, migration, exchange, and resistance.

In 19th-century Mexico, the fandango became a community celebration where neighbors sang, danced, and played instruments on a shared wooden platform, much like a flamenco tablao in Spain. Improvisation, rhythm, and call-and-response connected people, creating art that was both deeply personal and profoundly communal.

Today, Flamenco Fandanguero honors that history by reuniting these primos hermanos (first cousins) on one stage — transcending borders with stories of resilience, shared identities, and joy.

This project is led by Marisol and Joaquín Encinias (artistic co-directors of Yjastros), Sinuhé Padilla Isunza (Musical Director), and Alejandro Tomás Rodriguez (Theatre Director), and features performances, music, and choreographies by these acclaimed artists:

• Ángel Ruíz (flamenco guitarist, Granada, Spain)

• Los Vega (Son Jarocho masters, Veracruz, Mexico)

• Vicente Griego (flamenco singer, Dixon, New Mexico)

• Rujeko Dumbutshena (African dance scholar, artist, choreographer, Zimbabwe)

• Ninoska M’bewe Escobar (Garifuna dance scholar, artist, choreographer, Honduras)

• Yjastros: The American Flamenco Repertory Company (Albuquerque, New Mexico)

A New Perspective – Challenges stereotypes of flamenco by highlighting diverse stories and cultural connections.

Rooted in History – Evokes the ideas of Gloria Anzaldúa, Rudolfo Anaya, and others who explored mestizaje and the power of cultural healing.

Healing Through Culture – Embraces the idea that “la cultura cura” (culture heals), offering art as a way to reconnect with history and community.

Celebrating Connection – Reimagines mestizaje as a community of cosmic people joined through creativity and tradition.

Flamenco Fandanguero was made possible by the New England Foundation for the Arts' National Dance Project, with lead funding from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and the Mellon Foundation.