Our trip to Southern Spain over a decade ago, followed close on the heels of a fantastic week in Rajasthan. And I remember being struck by how closely the energy and the rhythm of Flamenco resembled the folk performances we had witnessed there. The connection wasn’t just my perception however, but a throwback to the beginnings of the gypsy dance form itself.
All nomadic gypsies it seems, trace their antecedents to the desert state of Rajasthan in India. Their flight from persecution by invading armies centuries ago, and several subsequent mass migrations, dispersed them across the middle East, Europe, and the Americas. While they adopted local cultures and languages, their distinct art forms retained much of the original flavour.
Imagine an effort to explore this shared musical heritage and reunite renowned international gypsy performers with their roots in the traditional desert genres of India. The Jodhpur Flamenco & Gypsy Festival does just that. In a magnificent medieval setting that is bound to create magic.
And I have been invited by WelcomHotel Jodhpur, to witness the magic unfold over this weekend!
I would never have dreamt, sitting in that touristy tablao in Seville all those years ago, that I would one day be watching authentic Flamenco in a royal citadel back home!
So I am off early tomorrow. My excitement only tempered by the fact that R is unable to accompany me.
I leave you with this teaser from the JFG site:
Have a great weekend. I know I will.
PS: Thumbnail courtesy JFG website
The Urge To Wander 
Thanks for sharing the video, Madhu. I am sure you had a great time. From your description, it sounds like a delightful place to revisit. 😉
A flamenco and gypsy festival sounds incredible!! Can’t wait to read and see more.
They knew just the right person to invite and can’t wait to see what you bring back from the experience. So excited for you Madhu!
Oh my my … are you telling me that Flamenco has a descendant named Bollywood?
A chance to go back to the future…looking forward to hearing about the sights and sounds. 🙂
Oh, I am so happy and excited for you, Madhu! I’m sorry R. can’t go. But I wish you a magical time. And yes, as LuAnn mentions—a lovely honor! I wish for you to feel the honor and the awe. It is making me grin for you. 🙂
What an exciting honor Madhu. Can’t wait to hear all about it. 🙂
Sounds incredible ~ sure to be sight to take in and enjoy.
Where’s my invite? 😀 Can’t wait to hear about it, Madhu.
Darn it! I’ve missed you! 😦 Never mind- I know you’ll be having a brilliant time. 🙂
Awesome! 😀 enjoy your trip!
Whoa!!! I had heard about this festival! I am sure you will have a great time! 😊 plus the venue is awesome too 🙂
Have a great weekend, Madhu! 😀
Hope you have a fantastic time – looking forward to your photo story of the dance this weekend!
You are going to have fun for sure Madhu. Don’t you want to pack me in your suitcase please? LOL!
Enjoy and looking forward to your post and great shots. 😀 ♥
Wow…..what a great weekend you’re going to have. I enjoyed watching the video. Such passionate and exciting music and dancing. Enjoy! 🙂
How exciting, Madhu. What a perfect setting for such a culturally significant dance. I look forward to your folowup. 💃
Looking forward to your photographs and post
Madhu. Sounds wonderful.
So very jealous of you! Enjoy your day and I cannot wait to read the blog follow up about your day!
The Gypsy’s have been so badly treated in all the countries they’ve moved into. I suppose that diaspora now speaks different dialects to the original. Does their language have Panjabi roots?
Oh fantastic Madhu, the music and dance will be incredible. I’m especially jealous because I spent 3 days in Jodhpur in 2005 – in my hotel room being so sick I thought I was going to die, so I didn’t see any of the city! I’m looking forward to your photos, enjoy 🙂
My head danced a bit to this; visual and aural expression, those great equalizers! I hope that you post a detailed reviewed of the event when you are back, comrade 🙂
That sounds like a wonderful blend- Rajasthani folk and flamenco. Enjoy!
What an experience for you! That taster had me green with envy. Can’t wait for your account of the festival – and your photos.