30th Tampere Flamenco Festival

The theme of the 30th anniversary of the oldest flamenco festival in the Nordic countries is the Flamenco party - La Fiesta Flamenca. The program includes concerts, workshops, an installation for the anniversary and free events, such as an interactive tango and flamenco event as part of the program of the Tango–Guitar–Flamenco week from 11 to 20 September 2026.

Flamenco dancer Mario Ruiz (MEX) shines as an international guest, whose concert Carta a mi madre will be premiered in Tampere. Ruiz is an award-winning dancer star, with guitarist Eloy Cito Gonzales (MEX) and singers Silvia Reina (ESP) and Antonio Hurtado (ESP) conquering the stage.

The festival's second international flamenco performance is a collaboration between Spanish artist and researcher Paula Bruna, flamenco singer Curro Rodríguez and Alhaja Records (ESP), a record company specializing in experimental flamenco. The increase in temperature and prolonged periods of drought associated with climate change have a decisive effect on forests. By studying tree embolism, one can understand the condition of the trees and their exposure to new climatic conditions. "Embolismo por soleá (seguiriya y muerte)" understands embolism not only as a biological fact, but as a rhythmic and emotional expression of the tree, which is created as a result of the gas bubbles formed in the trunk of the trees.

After the performance, Galleria Himmelblau will host a public discussion on tree embolism, in which artists Paula Bruna and Curro Rodríguez and professor Timo Vesala from the Center for Atmospheric Sciences of the University of Helsinki (INAR) will participate. Vesala has published several scientific articles on the tree embolism phenomenon. The Art & Science discussion will be moderated by Ulla Taipale, curator of INAR's Ilmastopyørre art program.

The festival starts with Anna Haaranen's Grown-up women and flamenco monologue performance, which is especially recommended for women 50+. ​At the weekend's 360 club gig in Galleria Himmelblau, flamenco guitarist Joonas Widenius will perform together with singer Anna Murtola and dancer Ingrid Mugu (EST). At the 360-club, the audience can dive into the performer's world and experience the performances uniquely from the direction they want. The 360-Klub gallery also features the 30th anniversary installation of Tampere Flamenco Week and Roni Kuulasvuo's exhibition. ​

Our Finnish and international artists train flamenco dancing, singing and guitar playing skills in workshops. In Mario Ruiz's free Flamenco ABC class, which is open to everyone, you will get to know the basics of flamenco under the guidance of our star artist. Flamenco in the body and rhythm is a multi-sensory workshop for the whole family, where you get to know the fascinating and characteristic 12-part rhythm of flamenco, the compás. Flamenco dance teacher Milla-Maija Saari is the main leader of the workshop, and the musicians performing soleá are guided by Toni Jokiniitty (guitar), Eva Alkula (kantele) and Pekka Siiskonen (guitar).​​

The festival also offers performance opportunities to all industry enthusiasts and aficionados who want to perform for the joy of performing as part of the festival. Performances by flamenco enthusiasts will be seen on Open Stages - Tampere Flamenco Week's anniversary open stage concert in the Tampere Conservatory's Pyynik Hall on Saturday 19.9. organized Tango–Guitar–Flamenco week family event. ​

A warm welcome to the anniversary events!​​​​

Disa Kamula

Artistic director of the Tampere Flamenco week festival