25,500 SPECTATORS CELEBRATE 25 YEARS OF LOVE BETWEEN NEW YORK AND FLAMENCO

Flamenco Festival New York closes its 25th anniversary with an average attendance rate of 86% and 60% of its 40 performances sold out across New York, Miami, Tampa, Chicago, and Boston.

Flamenco Festival New York wrapped up its 25th edition last Sunday—an especially meaningful anniversary that brought together 25,500 spectators across 40 performances in New York, Miami, Tampa, Chicago, and Boston. With an average attendance of 86% and 60% of shows sold out, this edition—conceived as a tribute to the love story between the city of skyscrapers and flamenco—once again highlighted the strength of this artistic and emotional bond, renewed with each generation and kept alive by the city’s audiences.

The warm reception once again confirms Flamenco Festival as a must-attend cultural event in the U.S., reinforcing its role in promoting Spanish culture and flamenco while consolidating its place within New York’s cultural scene and that of other major cities nationwide.

Festival director Miguel Marín noted, “This edition fully met the expectations of New York audiences—a truly well-rounded edition in which, in some way, a circle has been completed.” He also emphasized “the convergence of all elements—the artistic program, the selection of venues—which made it possible to celebrate this love story between New York and flamenco as it truly deserves.”

Marín also highlighted “the connections formed between participating artists and the pioneers of flamenco in the city,” the result of research that revealed “just how deeply flamenco has taken root in New York for more than a century.” For the director, “this has been one of the most moving editions, marked by the generosity of artists paying tribute to those who paved the way, leaving unforgettable moments.”

He expressed his “deepest gratitude to all the artists, who showed immense affection for the festival and a level of dedication that went beyond the professional. They became accomplices in something much greater: filling New York with this love for flamenco. Everyone shared the same idea—that love—for flamenco, for our culture, and for the values we believe in—would guide the festival and the experience we created in the city.”

He also praised the audience response: “It was extraordinary, with a diverse audience sharing unique experiences in venues such as Joe’s Pub, the Met, and the Guggenheim.” In his words, “this union of artists, memory, and devoted audiences created unforgettable nights where the city, the spaces, and flamenco came together to create something truly special.”

The 25th edition of Flamenco Festival New York, which featured Seville as its guest city, opened on February 25 to a sold-out audience at the CUNY Graduate Center with the talk Electric Bohemian: Flamenco and the Arts in Greenwich Village (1950s–1970s), exploring flamenco’s intercultural connections.

The other two talks also sold out, demonstrating that U.S. audiences remain deeply engaged with flamenco not only as performance but as a subject of academic reflection. These included La Argentinita in New York, New York in La Argentinita at the New York Public Library, and Mario Escudero and New York at Instituto Cervantes.

Once again, flamenco’s passion reached younger audiences. A special school performance of the Gala Flamenca brought together 2,000 children aged 8 to 14, offering many their first encounter with flamenco. More than 27,000 students have participated in this educational program throughout the festival’s history.

At New York City Center, the Gala Flamenca also received praise from The New York Times, which highlighted the performers’ virtuosity and musicality, describing standout artists and their unique styles.

Unforgettable moments in iconic New York venues

Throughout New York City, Flamenco Festival returned to venues that are part of its history. At Baryshnikov Arts, two sold-out performances of Fiesta Flamenca revived the spirit of traditional cafés cantantes. Artists delivered memorable performances, joined by Mikhail Baryshnikov himself.

Marín described these as “some of the most magical moments of this edition,” noting that the project stemmed from Baryshnikov’s own desire to experience flamenco more closely in his space.