Variety is the Spice of Life

Spanish, Theater & Dance — By admin on July 20, 2007 12:00 am

Cardamomo (cardamon) is a bit of a wild card on the flamenco scene. Whereas many venues are predictable: high-brow flamenco, spontaneous Gitano flamenco, sit-at-tables-and-politely-applaud flamenco, etc. At Cardamomo, you never quite know what you’ll get – it could “puro y duro” (pure and hard) or modern variations.

Cardamomo is both a flamenco bar and tablao (performance space). Its floor plan is slightly more open than some, but that isn’t too say it’s particularly open – flamenco often takes place in close quarters. Any extra space that Cardamomo could boast is quickly squeezed out of existence when the crushing crowds arrive.

In fact, crowding is so intense that if you don’t arrive early (22.30), you will end up watching the show on a large video screen just outside the main seating area. You’d think this imposition of cold technology would exclude the bar from being revered by the city’s flamenco aficionados, but it isn’t so. At serious flamenco schools ask people where they go to see performances and this joint will practically top the list.

And speaking of the crowd – they know their flamenco. You can’t fake the hand-clapping, foot stomping, or “Olays” shouted in unison – trust me I’ve tried.

Cardamomo also has the added benefits of being central and cheap. On concert nights it’s five euros for an entrance with a drink – it’s free on non-concert nights. Wednesdays are rumored to be the best, but performances happen throughout the week. Unfortunately the website is not as well-maintained as it could be. The easiest way to know the schedule is to keep your eye out for the monthly posters plastered all over the city center.

Go ahead – play the wild card.

Cardamomo

Direction: Calle de Echegaray, 15
Hours: 22.30 to 3.30
Website: http://www.cardamomo.es
Entrance: varies

To go the main Flamenco in Madrid page click here