The annual festival in the French town of Mont-de-Marsan is already among the most prestigious in the world. We review its history and the current keys to its success.
Arte Flamenco Mont de Marsan
Arte Flamenco Mont de Marsan
Mont-de-Marsan is a town in the south of France (Landes department) of less than 40,000 inhabitants which, every July, lives the spirit of flamenco in the streets as if it were an extension of Andalusia. The Arte Flamenca festival manages, through tents in public spaces and free activities, to involve the whole population in the celebration of flamenco. The shows are relatively reasonably priced (from €12), unless you want to see the big-name artists, which can be around €100-150.
During the 7 days, the event offers a wide variety of activities, with courses, exhibitions or collaborations through artistic residencies; conferences, activities for children and cinema.
The origins of the Mont-de-Marsan festival: a Republican Spaniard
The organisation constantly reminds that it owes a lot to the promoter of this event. His name, Henri Emmanuelli, a very influential politician. But Javier Puga, the first director of this festival, also remembers Emmanuelli’s wife, Antonia, from Madrid, a republican émigré and a great flamenco fan. It was she who suggested an event around this music in 1988. In 1989 it became a reality.
The support of local administrations is still very important (even if Antonia no longer has much to say…) and key to its success. Their annual budget is around 1.5 million euros.
Flamenco puro y del mejor
The other key to Mont-de-Marsan being regarded with envy by other festivals is a very good programme.
Javier Puga explains that, although its development was not easy, the line of bringing the best of Spanish flamenco has always been present. For example, the first edition featured the ballet of Cristina Hoyos, the Pinini clan, Rafael Riqueni, José de la Tomasa… In 1990, Camarón de la Isla, Tomatito and Paco de Lucía. And so on, year after year. Javier Puga ceased to be in charge of Arte Flamenco 20 years later and some critics write and say that the event has become more commercial and less pure.
It is a festival with many sponsors and patrons, and with a Foundation that provides resources for the hiring of artists. For a time, they had the financial support of the Junta de Andalucía through the Consejería de Cultura and the Instituto Andaluz del Flamenco.
Mont-de-Marsan Flamenco Art Festival
festivalarteflamenco.fr
Flamenco OFF
The city centre of Mont-de-Marsan is in tune with Arte Flamenco with its shop window competition in Andalusian colours and its Off Festival in cafés, restaurants and night bars.
Around a meal or to extend the flamenco night, the establishments offer festival-goers live shows at any time, to discover confirmed artists or amateurs.
Arte Flamenco Mont de Marsan
Arte Flamenco Mont de Marsan
