Enjoy Flamenco, Food and Fun at these Upcoming Spanish Festivals

Centuries ago, Indian artisans migrated through Asia to Western Europe, creating an informal ethnic group known as the Romani. The resulting blend of the two cultures led to a unique musical performance art called flamenco. In flamenco, an acoustic Latin-Eastern fusion melody is played as a solo dancer or group of dancers groove and march along to the rhythm in colorful garb and thick boots with nails fastened to the soles.

This spring, two flamenco-centric festivals are set to hit Dallas.

Cocina Flamenca is an arts and food festival presented by The Flame Foundation, a nonprofit founded by Flamenco dancer Delilah Buitron and chef Troy Gardner. This marks the second annual celebration of the event, which will be held Saturday, April 12, from 3 to 8:30 p.m. at the Latino Cultural Center.

The event is inspired by La Feria de Sevilla, a historic spring festival held in the Andalusian capital of Spain. It begins with an hourlong indoor flamenco performance inside the center, with a cast of local and international flamenco performers.

From 4 p.m. on, Cocina Flamenca moves outdoors for dance tutorials, freshly prepared paella (a traditional Spanish rice dish) with seafood, chicken or vegan options, and, of course, more flamenco performances.

The outdoor festival is free to attend, but the preceding indoor performance has tickets available for $25, or $35 with a pre-ordered paella meal.

About a month later, Dallas’ signature Flamenco Fever dance troupe will be throwing a festival of its own. Named Paella y Pasion, at La Cantera Arts Conservatory in Oak Cliff  where the team practices. Flamenco Fever executive director Julie Alcántra opened the space last October, using it as the team's headquarters but also as a public space for dance classes and events, especially catering to an audience that might not otherwise have access to a venue like it. The event will also feature a number of local Flamenco performances with fresh paella served.

Set for Sunday, May 18, from 1-6 p.m., the event is also free to attend, with snacks and paella for sale. For $20, patrons can receive a bowl of paella with a flower and a Spanish-themed polka dot scarf or fan.