Villa Rosa

You’ve probably spotted it from afar, all those painted tiles belong to the Villa Rosa tablao, right before you. If you’re wondering what a tablao means, it’s a venue where flamenco shows are performed, and this one is an institution in Madrid, founded in 1911 on what used to be an old chocolate mill. Flamenco is an art form deeply tied to Spain. Although its origins remain somewhat mysterious, it’s known to have taken roots from the Arab and Jewish cultures in Andalusia, before being embraced and transformed by gypsies. A trip to Spain isn’t complete until you’ve witnessed the intensity and depth of this art form that combines singing, music, and dance to express raw human emotion. A rather moving event! Over the years, some of the greatest flamenco performers have graced this stage counting celebrities such as King Alfonso XIII, Hemingway, and Ava Gardner as their spectators. And who knows—maybe you’ll be next!