Festival Internacional Arte Flamenco

Arte Flamenco: Mont-de-Marsan, world capital of flamenco

The Festival Internacional Arte Flamenco of Mont-de-Marsan was born in 1989, on the initiative of Henri Emmanuelli, then president of the General Council of Landes. The ambition was bold: to create a major event dedicated to flamenco art in the Southwest of France, capable of rivaling the greatest Andalusian festivals. The gamble paid off: Arte Flamenco is now recognized as the largest flamenco festival outside of Spain.

An excellent program

For a week, Mont-de-Marsan vibrates to the rhythm of flamenco in all its forms:

• Cante (singing): the greatest voices of flamenco perform in intimate recitals or grand shows
• Baile (dance): the most prestigious companies and soloists present contemporary creations and traditional forms
• Toque (guitar): the masters of flamenco guitar offer virtuoso recitals
• Free shows: numerous animations, concerts, and shows with free access in the streets and squares of the city

International reach

Over the years, Arte Flamenco has hosted the biggest names in flamenco: Paco de Lucía, Camarón de la Isla, Antonio Canales, Sara Baras, Eva Yerbabuena, Israel Galván, and many others. The festival has become an essential meeting place for artists, professionals, and enthusiasts of this art form, which is part of UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage.

Beyond the shows

The festival also offers dance and guitar workshops for all levels, photography exhibitions, film screenings, conferences, and a lively flamenco village with restaurants and tapas bars. A young audience program is also offered to introduce the youngest to the world of flamenco.