Summer Open-air Flamenco Concerts
Some of the biggest names in contemporary flamenco will be visiting Velez-Malaga in July & August 2021 for the fifth festival of flamenco fusion – the Acompasao Festival.
And not only are they playing outdoors under the stars, but they’re doing so in the dramatic setting on top of the Cerro de San Cristobal, next to the Ermita Virgen de los Remedios.
In previous years the festival was held in the auditorium (see photo above & below) but to allow for Covid restrictions it have been moved above so it’s more roomy (see main photo).
Who’s playing – and when?
A few truly huge names from the world of flamenco fusion, basically. There are four festival dates scheduled as part of Acompasao:
- 30th July 2021 – Cristian de Moret
- 6th August 2021 – Alba Molina
- 13th August 2021 – Lin Cortes
- 20th August 2021 – Diego Amador
Check out videos of each artist here.
Each concert will start at 22.30hrs. The gates to the park open at 21.00hrs and there’s a bar with snacks onsite.
The first act is Cristian de Moret. Hailing from Huelva but living in Seville, he fuses rock and electronics with flamenco. See more of him and his latest releases here.
The second week sees Alba Molina come to town. A singer of Spanish gypsy descent, she performs flamenco as well as hip-hop/pop music. The daughter of the flamenco couple Lole Montoya and Manuel Molina, she collaborated with Las Niñas from the late 1990s and later with Spanish guitarist Ricardo Moreno producing Tucara. More recently she has been a vocalist on the albums ‘Alba canta a Lole y Manuel’ and ‘Caminando con Manuel’.
Next up on the 13th August Lin Cortes brings his exciting fusion of flamenco. He is spearheading a new wave of modern flamenco and is one of the most internationally respected artists in this genre. Get your tickets early for this one, as it’s sure to be a sell-out.
Finally, Diego Amador takes to the stage on 20th August. An experimental pianist with strong flamenco roots which is often blended with jazz, if you’re a flamenco fan you’ll be interested to know he played acoustic guitar with Pata Negra. And if you’re a fan of Mile Davis’ ‘Sketches of Spain’ then this could be a good night for you.
How much is it?
15 euros per night or all 4 nights for 50 euros. Buy tickets in advance here.
Where is it?
The Cerro de San Cristobal is in the heart of the historic centre of Velez-Malaga. You can find your way to the open-air theatre by following signs from Plaza La Gloria and climbing up the Parque de los Remedios to the Ermita de los Remedios (a small church) at the top of the hill. (You can see a Google map here.)
What is Flamenco Fusion & What To Expect?
It combines flamenco guitar and traditional flamenco music with other genres like jazz, blues, rock, rumba, and even reggaeton, hip hop, or electronica. Each night of the Acompasao has a different type of Flamenco fusion artist. All established names in the genre.
A night full of positivity, good vibes, fun and great music. Expect dancing, cheering and general summer feels.
That’s our August culture fix sorted, then.
Other Useful Information
Getting to Velez: Couldn’t be easier. If you’re coming from Nerja or Malaga, the Friday afternoon/evening bus times that align with the concerts are as follows:
- From Nerja to Velez: 16.15hrs (journey time: approx. 45 minutes)
- From Malaga to Velez: 18.05hrs, 18.35hrs, 19.05hrs and 19.35hrs (journey time: approx. 1 hr 15 minutes)
Where to find parking
The nearest parking from the venue is:
- Under the Mercado de San Francisco – on Calle Arroyo San Francisco
- On the hill leading up to the venue itself – Ermita de Los Remedios
- Behind the Mercado de San Francisco on Calle Arroyo San Francisco (just opposite the left turn to Calle Esperanza) there’s a covered/paid car park
- Plaza la Gloria just off Calle Arroyo San Francisco
- Roadside parking on the Calle Arroyo San Francisco
Just a little further afield – we’re talking all of 10 minutes’ walk away – there’s paid parking at the Plaza del Carmen (Calle Porteria del Carmen).
Alternatively, parking can always be found in the outskirts of town around the Maria Zambrano park (around a 15-minute walk away from the venue). For more information on parking, see our page.
Where to stay: Velez has a couple of great places to choose from if you’re travelling in from elsewhere to catch the flamenco. A couple of the better central accommodation options include:
- Palacio Blanco – a boutique hotel in a stylishly refurbished old palace. Prices from €105 per double. (12 minutes’ walk from the venue.)
- La Casa de Las Titas – pleasant tourist apartments clustered around a lovely old patio, with a swimming pool out back. Prices from around €70 per studio per night. (10 minutes’ walk from the venue.)
- Hotel Dila – simple but perfectly comfortable, centrally located rooms from €70 per double. (9 minutes’ walk from the venue.)
(See more places to stay and book.)
Where to eat and drink: With the concerts not starting until 22.30hrs and the gates to the park not opening until 21.00hrs, there’s plenty of time to grab a bite and a couple of drinks beforehand. The best places to grab tapas are El Pianista del Carmen, El Convento and Caserio de Las Monjas and, in the shadow of the old city walls, La Sastreria. To find out more about each, check out our guide to Velez restaurants and tapas bars.
If you fancy a night or two in Velez with great music then buy your tickets here.
Want to know what else is going on in the Axarquia this summer? Then check out our guide.
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