Ask many people around the world what comes to mind when they think of Spain, and chances are flamenco will land near the top of the list. The sinuous moves; the rapid, hypnotic shoe tapping; the staccato hand-clapping; the mesmerising guitarwork; the plaintive singing - if you've never witnessed a performance in person, your first time in particular will stay with you forever.
An art form and indeed a sensibility closely intertwined with the culture and traditions of Andalusia, flamenco grew out of the Roma (gypsy) community - exactly where and when has still not been pinpointed. But it's first mentioned in 1774, and most theories point to a triangle between the cities of Cadiz, Jerez de la Frontera, and Seville, from which it spread to the rest of the region and diversified in style.
That diversification continues today. The elaborately costumed tablaos put on for tourists are just one side of the coin. There are classical versions, purist versions, minimalist versions, even jazz and pop versions. In 2010 UNESCO declared it an intangible patrimony of humanity, and its popularity has been spreading worldwide (there are apparently more flamenco schools in Japan these days than in Spain).
But Andalusia is and will remain the heartland of this uniquely Spanish form. And following are top spots to seek it out in some of the region's top destinations:
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