Flamenco, a Social History

For a long time the art of flamenco has been passed down orally from generation to generation in families and neighbourhoods, by the great gypsy dynasties of Baja Andalucía. Persecution and marginalisation have left a trace of rebellion in the lyrics. During the 1930s fandangos were dedicated to Captain Jaca Fermín Galán and the "Republican bands". All through the last years of Franco and the transition to democracy, many musicians were open in their political commitment. From toiling in the fields and sleepless nights singing for the local aristocracy, flamenco artists moved first to stages and summer festivals and later into theatres.