The Gala of 8 April 2023 presents the award in the category “For a lifetime achievement” to the “farrucos” family for their relevance in flamenco dance.
Premios a Farruquito y a su familia, Los Farrucos
The Farrucos family has been awarded by the Instituto de Cultura Gitana in the category “For an entire career” for being “one of the most influential gypsy sagas of dancers in the world of flamenco”, according to the Institution. The awards ceremony will be held on 8 April, coinciding with the Day of the Roma People, in the Auditorium 400 of the Reina Sofia Museum in Madrid.
Los Farrucos, a family with “duence”
Antonio Montoya Flores, Farruco, was born in Madrid in 1935 and is the patriarch of a family saga of dancers who continue to leave the figure of the “founder” very high. He already had gypsy and flamenco pedigree, as he was the grandnephew of Ramón Montoya, father of El Farruquito and Las Farrucas and grandfather of the current Farruquito. From his mother, La Farruca, he adopted his nickname of Farruco, which has accompanied his descendants. In his early days, he joined the renowned company of Lola Flores and Manolo Caracol. This opportunity allowed him to refine his skills and show his immense potential.
In the 1950s, she joined the ballet group directed by Pilar López Júlvez, which gave her greater exposure and invaluable experiences. Farruco’s reputation soared as he toured Spain and Europe, leaving audiences spellbound by his mesmerising performances. However, it was his collaboration with José Greco’s company that catapulted him to international fame. Farruco formed an extraordinary trio known as Los Bolecos. Together with Rafael el Negro and Matilde Coral, he performed on the stages of numerous flamenco festivals throughout Spain. Their performances showed the essence of the Farruco family style, leaving an indelible impact on the flamenco scene.
Farruquito and the next generation
The tragic loss of his 18-year-old son, Farruquito, in a car accident, led to the end of an era in the history of flamenco. His daughter, Rosario Montoya, married to the cantaor Juan Fernández Flores, gave him a grandson, Juan Manuel Fernández Montoya (1982) who, over the years, inherited his grandfather’s name and dance, also with the artistic name of Farruquito. He is not the only one who stands out, although he is perhaps the most successful. Farruquito is the eldest of four brothers, Juan Antonio “El Farru”, Manuel “El Carpeta” and Alegría. Farruquito’s son is already performing with his father and promises to be a great representative of the saga.
Other awards during the gala
The ceremony will be presided over by the Director of the Instituto de Cultura Gitana, Diego Fernández, and will be attended by all the gypsy characters recognized in each of the award categories:
- To harmony: Fundación Zuloaga. An organisation aimed at dissemination and research in the cultural field with a special link to the gypsy population.
- Sports: Ms. Zulaima Tirado. Teacher and professional in the sport of Karate.
- Fine Arts: Family of Ceija Stojka: Hojda and Nuna Stojka. Family that maintains the legacy of the Austrian writer, painter and musician of Roma origin who survived the Holocaust, a situation that is reflected in her paintings.
- Music: Mr. “Alexian” Santino Spinelli. Renowned Italian musician, composer and teacher, who spreads Roma music all over the world.
- Communication: Mr. Sebastián Porras and Ms. Mercedes Porras. Members of the Board of Directors of the Pere Closa Private Foundation and presenters of our previous 8 de Abril Gypsy Culture Institute Awards Ceremony.
- Literature and Performing Arts: Ms. Carmen Chaplin and Ms. Dolores Chaplin. Actresses of British-French origin, descendants of Charles Chaplin.
- Investigation: Don. Ian Hancock. English-born Roma researcher, writer and activist.
- New Creators: Don. Antón Cortés. Pianist prodigy who, at only 14 years of age, has made history in the world of music.
Presentation of the prize
This is not the first time that flamenco artists have won the award from the Instituto de Cultura Gitana. In 2022, both Israel Fernández and Roby Lakatos received awards, and ALL FLAMENCO received the Communication award.