The Sevillian municipality of Los Palacios y Villafranca is preparing to host the 53rd edition of the Mistela Flamenco Festival, one of the longest-standing events on the Andalusian flamenco calendar. The festival will take place over two October weekends, on the 16th, 17th, 23rd, and 24th, at the Teatro Municipal Pedro Pérez Fernández.
This edition holds special significance as it coincides with the 75th anniversary of the Tertulia Cultural Flamenca El Pozo de las Penas, an entity recognized for its promotion of flamenco, which will receive the 2026 Silverio Franconetti International Flamenco Award (PIF) for best flamenco club.
The program kicks off on Friday, October 16th, at 8:00 PM with 'Persecución', a show directed by Pedro María Peña commemorating the 50th anniversary of the work by Juan Peña “El Lebrijano” and Félix Grande, a production narrating the history and resistance of the Gitano people.
On Saturday, October 17th, also at 8:00 PM, the 2026 Venencia Flamenca will be awarded to guitarist David de Arahal. Following the ceremony, Arahal himself will present his show 'Callejón del arte', featuring guest artists such as Sandra Carrasco, Manuel de la Tomasa, and José Ángel Carmona.
The third day, Friday, October 23rd, will feature the Ballet Flamenco de Andalucía at 8:00 PM with their production 'Patrimonio Flamenco', under the artistic and choreographic direction of Patricia Guerrero. The performance celebrates the fifteenth anniversary of flamenco's declaration as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
The festival will conclude on Saturday, October 24th, at 8:00 PM with 'Olor a tierra', starring Arcángel, accompanied on guitar by Salvador Gutiérrez and on palmas by Los Mellis. The show offers an evocative artistic reflection on nature, emotions, and the cultural roots that nourish flamenco.
The event, jointly organized by the Ayuntamiento de Los Palacios y Villafranca and the Tertulia Cultural Flamenca El Pozo de las Penas, reaffirms its commitment to disseminating the art of 'jondo' and fostering dialogue between memory, contemporary creation, and new generations of artists.
