The Andalusian Parliament’s General Assembly confirmed, this Wednesday, the first norm dedicated to flamenco in the history of the autonomous community, establishing a legal framework for this art form.
Votes came from the Popular Parliamentary Group only; one opposition MP accidentally cast an affirmative vote, bringing the total to 59 yes votes from the 58 MPs of the PP and the additional supporter. All other groups in the Assembly—PSOE, Vox, Por Andalucía, and Adelante Andalucía—abstained.
This represents the fifth norm approved in the 12th Legislative Assembly, following amendments to the Community Budget Act for 2023, the Andalusia Emergency Management Act, the Early Attention Act in Andalusia, and the Andalusia Circular Economy Act.
The flamenco bill was approved by the Governing Council at its meeting on September 13 of the previous year.
The approved standard seeks to provide a clear legal regime for flamenco, safeguarding its heritage, preserving its information, and promoting Andalusia as both a social asset and an intangible cultural heritage for future generations.
The law, comprising 36 articles and five additional provisions, requires that the law be adopted by the Board of Directors within 18 months from its entry into force. It also calls for a General Strategic Plan for Flamenco to become the main instrument for managing flamenco resources in Andalusia.
Its aims include elevating flamenco as a unique element of Andalusian culture, supporting its promotion and the work of associations. The text highlights clubs and nonprofit organizations dedicated to spreading knowledge and appreciation of flamenco.
There are plans to create an Andalusian Flamenco Registry to serve as a vehicle for information, promotion, and organization of professionals and organizations involved in flamenco activities across Andalusia.
Additionally, the Andalusian Flamenco Law will include flamenco teaching within the regional education system, featuring an annual training plan for flamenco teachers, university chairs, and curricular contents that span non-university education. It aims to foster flamenco studies at the university level and within the European higher education area.
The new standard covers individual and collective flamenco creations and various movable and immovable properties and activities, all of which form part of the intangible heritage. Flamenco heritage sites may be registered in the General Catalogue of Andalusian Historical Heritage, encouraging conservation through the most appropriate instruments.
The law recognizes flamenco as an Entity of Cultural Interest and as an ethnological interest activity within the General Catalogue of Andalusian Historical Heritage, underscoring its significance in the region’s cultural identity.
group positioning
MP Pilar Pintor, representing PP-A, expressed congratulations to the Governing Council led by Juanma Moreno and praised the ministerial team, describing the text as a landmark for Andalusia’s most celebrated art form. She urged pride in the achievement and noted the consensus surrounding its adoption.
Socialist deputy Rafael Recio recalled an ancient Mesopotamian legend about fairness and clarity, arguing that the legislative text will depend on the Strategic Plan for certainty and economic commitment. He criticized the turnout of directors and suggested the bill could have gone further.
Vox spokesperson Antonio Sevilla warned that the law might raise suspicions among artists and social actors, arguing that art should be free to exist without rigid controls, and suggesting that current restrictions may hinder its essence. He predicted that flamenco will overflow regulatory boundaries, not fitting neatly into a small framework.
Por Andalucía’s spokesperson, immaculate grandchild, noted that while the bill evolved during parliamentary debate and incorporated coalition changes, it did not reach the level of detail artists and experts hope for in teaching flamenco within the education system, leaving the plan as a stage rather than a final framework, while still acknowledging the strategic plan’s central role.
thank you from the consultant
Following approval, Arturo Bernal, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports, described the enactment as a defining moment for Andalusia, a law that reflects the people’s identity and dignity on the world stage. He extended gratitude to everyone involved in shaping the norm, including predecessors and current officials in the Ministry of Culture and Education Development.
Finally, Bernal addressed representatives from the flamenco community gathered at the debate, stating that the norm was created for them and should serve as a primary reference moving forward, ensuring flamenco remains a central pillar of Andalusian culture worldwide.