Photo: Lebrijaflamenca.com

The famous Noches de Bajo de Guía, organized by Peña Cultural Flamenca Puerto Lucero, had been a mainstay of flamenco in Sanlúcar de Barrameda (Cádiz province). This series is no longer held on weekends, when the city has plenty of entertainment events available, and changed its name to Miércoles Flamencos (Flamenco Wednesdays), which this year is taking place between July 3^rd and August 7^th.

After acclaimed performances by artists such as María Mezcle and Ezequiel Benítez, we still have time to enjoy two top-notch stars. On Wednesday, July 31^st, the young cantaor Samuel Serrano will bring to Sanlúcar his recital Chipiona Flamenca, joined by the guitar of Juan Gómez. This recital will take place at the peña headquarters on number 2 Zorra Street.

On August 7^th, the series’ grand finale will give a nod to nearby Jerez de la Frontera. The cantaor Jesús Méndez, relative of the unforgettable Paquera de Jerez, will bring the feel of La Plazuela district to Sanlúcar. He’ll be joined by another great artist, guitarist Manuel Valencia, also from Jerez. This show is titled Jerez al compás y and will take place at the Jardines del Palacio de Orleans-Borbón, on Cuesta de Belén street.

The Miércoles Flamencos are part of the Festival Internacional de Música Primera Vuelta al Mundo (International Music Festival First Circumnavigation), one of the 193 commemorative events celebration the 500 anniversary of the world’s first circumnavigation, started on August 10^th, 1519, when five ships led by Ferdinand Magellan departed from Seville. This circumnavigation would be completed three years later by Juan Sebastián Elcano. This festival includes series of concerts of classical music, jazz, new musical genres, flamenco, orchestras and bands and young talent.