Tablao vs. Flamenco Cave: Pros and Cons. Which Venue Offers a Better Flamenco Experience?
Many people ask us before booking a flamenco show: Where is it better to see it, in a tablao or in a cave?
I think choosing between one and the other is very complicated and will depend on each person’s personal taste.
Both shows have their own particularities, advantages, and disadvantages. The ideal would be to see a performance in both environments and assess which one you like more, which one conveys its essence better to you.
If you don’t know what differences there are between them, here we’re going to tell you a little about what each show consists of so you can make a decision.
What’s Better, the Tablao or a Cave to See a Show?
Flamenco is a typical artistic expression of Andalusia, declared intangible cultural heritage, which mixes dance, vocal music, and musical accompaniment.
But this word encompasses much more than a style of dance and singing. Flamenco is also history, culture, emotion, roots, soul… a lifestyle for many.
Since its origins, flamenco has taken place in different environments and settings that have contributed to forging its essence. Currently, two of the most popular spaces for staging flamenco are: flamenco tablaos and flamenco caves.
Although both spaces are perfect for experiencing flamenco in its pure state and experiencing the magic of singing, dancing, and guitar playing firsthand, each environment has a series of advantages and disadvantages.
The Flamenco Tablao
A tablao flamenco is a stage specially prepared for the performance of flamenco artists, whether they are singers, dancers, or guitarists.
Its name, “tablao” is related to the structure where the show takes place, a wooden board, a characteristic element to enhance the sound of the artist’s footwork.
It could be said that the tablao is the evolution of the 19th-century singing cafes, where flamenco performances of the time began to be presented in a more accessible way for the public.
A modern flamenco tablao is a venue that has been prepared for the show. It is usually a spacious area to accommodate a large number of audience members and has controlled acoustics as well as lighting and everything related to the staging.
The stage is usually elevated increasing the visibility of the show and tends to be larger, facilitating the artist to move with greater freedom of movement.
The flamenco tablaos in Granada are very well-known nationally, as well as those in Madrid, Seville, and Barcelona, many of them visited by international artists from music, cinema, and politics.
The Flamenco Cave
The flamenco cave is something very typical of Granada, associated with the caves of Sacromonte. In these caves, the gypsy communities created a unique lifestyle, making cave-dwellings and performing their shows inside them.
In these caves, a very exclusive type of show was developed, the well-known zambra flamenco, which combines Arab, Gypsy, and Andalusian elements.
Here the show takes place inside a space carved into the rock, and the available space is much more reduced than that of a tablao. The acoustics are quite good because these natural spaces act as a perfect resonance box, amplifying the acoustics in a unique and natural way. In a cave, the show is more intimate, immersive, and pure.
However, the stage is at the same level as the audience, and the artist’s footwork may not be as noticeable. Also, the space is usually more limited than the tablao and the artist may have some difficulty making certain movements, which can limit the show a bit. Nevertheless, the atmosphere created in a cave makes you feel more of the root art, giving a more traditional and authentic touch to the show.
Currently, the shows in flamenco caves in Granada are highly acclaimed by tourists, both nationally and internationally.
Advantages of a Flamenco Tablao over a Flamenco Cave
Now that we have seen and compared both environments, let’s delve a little deeper into why the tablao can offer the public a more complete, professional, and comfortable experience to enjoy flamenco, although this doesn’t mean that a show in a cave doesn’t have its unique charm.
A more Prepared Environment
The flamenco tablao has been specially designed to host a show. Therefore, it has an elevated wooden stage, studied lighting with specially installed spotlights as well as enhanced acoustics with speakers and microphones.
In the cave, the space is more limited, the stage is usually at ground level, and it can be more difficult to see the artist’s dance well. The sound is usually natural or enhanced with a small speaker, and the lighting is usually less professional.
The Type of Artist
Normally, artists dedicated to flamenco usually perform in both environments. However, the most nationally or internationally recognized artists usually organize their shows in tablaos.
Greater Comfort for the Spectator
A tablao usually has more space to group the audience and have wider seats.
It allows for better control of the ambient temperature as it can use air conditioning, the seats are usually wider, and even during the show, you can have a drink or even eat.
On the contrary, caves, being smaller spaces, can be less comfortable. Although many caves have air conditioning, controlling the temperature is usually more complicated, and visibility is often more limited, especially if the venue is full and there isn’t a good arrangement of chairs.
Food and Beverage Service
To further enhance the experience, a flamenco tablao may include food and beverage service (drinks, tapas, or even menus). This makes the show more attractive to the public.
In the cave, it’s very difficult to offer this service, although some caves serve drinks and beverages, but it’s not common for them to serve food.
Diversity in Shows
A tablao allows for a greater variety of shows, for example, a show where the artist wears a bata de cola (long-trained dress) (in a cave, for example, these types of shows cannot be performed). They can also perform shows with a larger number of artists dancing or singing on stage or where the dancer needs more space to move freely.
Flamenco tablaos also allow for themed shows, collaborations with flamenco schools, or nights dedicated to specific styles. In caves, however, space is more limited when it comes to hosting a wider variety of shows.
Comparison of Flamenco Tablao VS Flamenco Cave
| Aspect | Flamenco Tablao | Flamenco Cave |
|---|---|---|
| Infrastructure | Space specifically designed for flamenco performances, with an elevated stage and wooden floor that enhances the sound of footwork. | Natural space carved into the rock, typical of the Sacromonte caves. The stage is at the same level as the audience, which can make it difficult to see the footwork. |
| Acoustics | Acoustics controlled by sound and lighting systems, allowing for a uniform and professional sound experience. | Natural acoustics that act as a sound box , providing immersive, authentic sound without the need for amplification. |
| Visibility | The elevated stage improves visibility of the show from any point in the venue. | The absence of an elevated stage can limit visibility , especially in more distant areas. |
| Space and comfort | Larger space that allows for greater audience capacity and greater freedom of movement for artists . | A small space that creates an intimate atmosphere , but can limit the artists’ movements and the audience’s comfort. |
| Atmosphere | Professional and structured environment, with careful and detailed staging. | A traditional and authentic atmosphere that reflects the essence of gypsy flamenco, offering a purer and more emotional experience. |
| Artistic experience | It offers a more complete and professional experience , suitable for those seeking a structured representation of flamenco. | It provides a more intimate and authentic experience , ideal for those who want to connect with the roots of flamenco in a traditional setting. |
| Accessibility | Generally more accessible for people with reduced mobility due to its modern design. | It may present access difficulties due to its location and natural structure. |
| Popularity | Well-known nationally and internationally, frequented by renowned artists and visitors seeking a professional experience. | Acclaimed by tourists looking for a unique and traditional experience in a historical setting. |
So, Flamenco Tablao or Cave?
Now that you’ve read this article where we present the pros and cons of each scenario, it’s up to you to decide what you prefer.
- If you’re looking for a picturesque place typical of Granada, with history, that is traditional and where you can experience flamenco art with more passion and naturalness, we recommend the cave.
- However, if what you’re looking for is to enjoy a show comfortably, where you can also have a drink or eat some tapas, and better appreciate the movement of the artists and their staging, we recommend the tablao.
