The Gypsy “plañideras” and the “Palos” of Flamenco

In the vibrant world of flamenco, where passion and emotion converge into a unique explosion of artistic expression, there exist enigmatic and moving figures that have left a profound mark on the tradition, one of them being that of the “mourners” or “plañideras.” These passionate and melancholic women who wept and lamented at funerals were one of the hidden and most mysterious treasures of flamenco.

In this blog, we will delve into the connection between the mourners and flamenco, taking an authentic journey through passion, mourning, and music.

In the 19th century, it was a custom to hire women to attend funerals and express grief through weeping, lamentation, and singing. Many of these women were Gypsies, and they played a significant role in funeral ceremonies, with their voices considered powerful for evoking emotions and expressing the pain of loss.

From the “Playera” to the “Seguiriya”

The origin of this singing style dates back to the early 19th century, probably emerging from the chants of mourners. It is also known as “Seguidillas playeras,” possibly derived from the term “plañidera.” The name “seguiriya” has its origins in the linguistic transformation from “seguidilla” to “seguirilla,” a genre considered the essence of “cante jondo” or deep song.

The mystery surrounding the origin of seguiriya in the world of flamenco has been a subject of debate and study. According to García Matos, these profound flamenco songs may have a possible precursor in the Castilian “seguidilla.” He points to an opera from 1820 titled “La máscara afortunada” as an interesting reference point. In this opera, there is a number titled “Las Playeras” that has the same metric structure used for singing seguiriya in flamenco. The similarity to the “endecha,” which was sung by mourners in times of mourning, leads to the hypothesis that the early seguiriya songs were inspired by themes of death and conceived as songs of mourning.

It’s important to highlight that many of the “endecheras” were Gypsies, and this ethnic connection contributed to the emergence of the so-called “seguirillas gitanas” or Gypsy seguiriya. Antonio Machado y Álvarez, known as Demófilo, mentions the existence of Gypsy seguiriya, which was considered both “playera” and “seguiriya” during certain periods. This suggests the interconnection between these styles within the world of flamenco.

Seguiriya holds a special place in the flamenco tradition, considered a fundamental style and a complex genre. Alongside “soleá,” it acts as a catalyst for many of the elements that make up the overall aesthetic of flamenco. Some scholars see “playera” as an intermediate link between “toná” and “seguiriya,” as certain elements of “tonás” have given rise to later genres, including seguiriya.

Had you ever imagined this connection before?

What they say about us
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Ian Millar
04/12/2023

Really amazing show, absolutely worth checking out when you're in Seville

Fui con mi pareja y nos encantó el show, además de un gran trato del personal!!

Fantástica experiencia, emoción y talento durante una hora sin parar

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Kaustubh Khare
03/12/2023

Really great show and unique food platter… PACO served us really well even accommodating few changes in dinner as two of us were vegetarian. Staff is very co-operative and performance is amazing.

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Lleir Sancho
02/12/2023

Nunca había estado en un tablao, es la primera vez que he estado y no podía haber sido mejor. Ha sido impresionante la verdad es que me ha dejado sin palabras

Increíble

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Gianluca Bia
25/11/2023

Spettacolo di flamenco davvero entusiasmante, tavoli vicino al palco. Menù tapas davvero vario e gustoso.

El templo del ritmo. Una hermosura de experiencia. No usan micrófono, así que se siente la música, la vibración de la música, la emoción de todas las voces. Un tablao como los de antes. Vayan y gocen

很好很喜欢,我朋友说很正宗。

Excellente espectáculo. Reservamos a través del hotel por 23€ (una bebida incluida), lo que es más barato que otros espectáculos del estilo. Ambiente íntimo, solo ocho espectadores, y las mesas estaban ubicadas de manera que todo el mundo tenía buena vista del tablao. No tuvimos que esperar y la anfitriona fue muy amable antes y después del espectáculo, explicando aspectos del flamenco que se nos habrían escapado a poco entendidos como nosotros. Había cuatro artistas y se turnaron en varios números alternando: guitarra española sola, guitarra española acompañada de cante, número de la bailaora sola, número del bailaor solo, y número de ambos bailando juntos. Tenía miedo de que fuera algo turístico y de que solo presentaran los aspectos más dramáticos del flamenco, pero realmente se tomaron el tiempo de construir el cante y de dejarlo fluir a su ritmo, con poca adaptación al público, lo que agradeció. Muy recomendable.

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Aly Rivard
17/11/2023

This was our first flamenco experience. We were blown away and thought the intimacy of the location was the best part. The dancers danced beautifully and the musicians were wonderful too! Would definitely visit again if we come back to Seville.

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Josie Cross
17/11/2023

My partner and I had a great experience at La Cantaora after being recommended it by our air bnb host. It was a beautifully intimate space and the performers had an incredible energy, it was wonderful to be in their presence. we would highly recommend this flamenco show!

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tugce ayvalı
16/11/2023

Super nice! It is in a small and beautiful place with a bar. Good music, delicious cocktails.

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Bryan Walker
03/11/2023

Lovely hour of surprisingly good food and wonderful flaminco.

Très beau spectacle, intimiste et convivial. Que demandé de plus ?

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Victor Tosta
01/11/2023

Muy buen lugar, cálido y acogedor. Atención de primera. El show es espectacular 👌. 100 % recomendado.

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Leonp FreeRun
15/10/2023

Muy agradable el vendedor, lleir creo que se llamaba, lo pasamos muy bien, esencía sevillana a tope.

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Juan MG
13/10/2023

Fuimos a ver a nuestra amiga Carmen bailar y fue una experiencia auténtica y un trato muy agradable. Para repetir!

Una noche estupenda! El cuadro de artistas ha sido inmejorable, muchísimo sentimiento y alegría en el escenario. Hemos escogido la opción de cena de tapas y se nota el mimo del chef puesto en cada plato. Destaco los boquerones y ESA TARTA 🤩

Muy bueno todo en la cena y preciosa la actuación, muy buenos todos los artistas! Recomendadísimo.

Bonito, tradicional, alta calidad de sus artistas

Nos encantó. Los bailaores maravillosos. No comimos pero nos encantó ambiente y personal.

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JOSE ALBERCA
03/10/2023

Como sevillano, mejor show de flamenco de Sevilla, sin duda.

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Charlie Park
29/09/2023

Just go here. Worth the money.

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Raul Tosco
27/09/2023

Emocionante,...altamente recomendable. No te lo puedes perder

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Lorenzo
25/09/2023

Amazing! The Flamenco show was incredible. An authentic and unforgettable experience. The restaurant is the right size so that everyone has a good view of the performance. The food was delicious and the service was great. Especially ‘Paco’ who served our table, very friendly and made the night extra special.

Che dirvi…uno spettacolo epico! Gli artisti riescono a farvi immergere in un’atmosfera surreale, passionale e indimenticabile! Provare per credere!