The Tablao de Carmen pays homage to the great dancer Carmen Amaya, a key figure in the history of flamenco. Carmen Amaya, Gypsy and Catalan, made her debut in 1929 in front of King Alfonso XIII, on the grounds now occupied by Tablao de Carmen , to commemorate the inauguration of the Pueblo Español, held during the Universal Exposition in Barcelona that year.

The Tablao de Carmen, in its 18 years in existence, has always been characterized by offering a great quality show, direct heir to the purest of traditions. The show, which lasts 75 minutes, can always boast artists of the most widely-acknowledged prestige who are accompanied by young promises for who, since time immemorial, the tablaos have served as a school and as an artistic springboard.

The show presents in a dynamic way several of the most important styles or beats of flamenco so that the spectator can get to know the wealth and variety of this art. With the same objective, the show also alternates the protagonism of its different expressions: the music, the singing and the dancing.

As an authentic tablao show has no formal choreography , each artist, interprets individually his or her number and the rest follow the beat, marking the rhythm, accompanying it and strenghtening it. The improvisation constitutes a key element of flamenco and is directly related to the communication between the artists themselves, and between them and the audience. The audience participates in the whole show with its clapping and exclamations and this communication means that no two shows are ever the same.

The Tablao de Carmen is situated inside the grounds of the Pueblo Español and this, in turn, is on the mountain of Montjuïc. The mountain of Montjuïc is one of the most important parks of the city and has, in its surroundings, many points of interest for visitors: the Magic Fountain, the Greek Theatre, the National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC), the Miró Foundation, the Olympic Ring.

Performance Info:

Tuesday - Sunday @ 6.45pm & 9.15pm

1st Show: Restaurant opens from 18:45h Show from 19:30h until 20:30h.

2nd Show:Restaurant opens from 21:15h Show from 22:00h until 23:00h.

Running Time: 75 minutes

Child age 2-12 years