Flamenco Arts Festival

Mission Statement: Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month through the presentation of world-class flamenco performances and related educational programs; promote a better understanding and embrace of different cultures; diversify the local cultural arts calendar; make the performing arts accessible to children and families; promote and preserve flamenco dance and music; and build bridges of experiences between people.

The Flamenco Arts Festival (FAF) is an enriching cultural exchange experience for the entire community that promotes and preserves flamenco dance and music through a series of live concerts, lectures, films, and workshops, award presentations, and celebrations. It is an annual event that brings a prominent flamenco company from Spain to SB. For 4 days, the visiting guest artists perform, teach, lecture, interact with participants, and represent Spain.

The FAF has produced near sold-out events and is considered to be one of the top three flamenco festivals in the nation (along with New York and New Mexico) and is recognized worldwide. To date, the Festival has presented 13 U.S. premieres and 4 West Coast premieres.

National Hispanic Heritage Month: Hispanic Heritage Month was initiated in 1968 by President Lyndon Johnson and expanded to a one-month celebration in 1988 by President Ronald Reagan. It is designed to recognize the Hispanic presence in the United States and the contributions they make to enhance the quality of life in America. The Flamenco Arts Festival joyfully joins the nation in celebrating, not only Hispanics but also the heritage and culture of all Americans, which is freely shared with all who value the richness that comes with diversity.