Flamenco music traces its roots back to ancient Andalusian history, potentially predating even the Moorish settlements. Many experts believe it to be a rich blend of Iberian, Arabic, Sephardic, and Gitano musical traditions, which flourished particularly after the reconquest of 1492 and continued to evolve over the following centuries.
Over the past millennium, Flamenco has expanded beyond Andalusia to encompass the rest of Spain and former Spanish territories in both Central and South America.
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Ronda Guitar House is located on Calle Virgen de los Remedios 23, a few meters from Calle Carrera Espinel just 2 minutes from the Puente Nuevo. This is a unique space dedicated to Spanish music and in particular the Spanish guitar.
I’ve been living in this lovely area of Western Andalucia for the last 20 years or so and dedicate most of my time to the running of English language tourist information websites for the towns of Cádiz, Ronda, Grazalema, the famous or infamous Caminito del Rey, and also Wildside Holidays, which promotes sustainable and eco-friendly businesses running wildlife and walking holidays in Spain. My articles contain affiliate links that will help you reserve a hotel, bus, train or activity in the area. You don’t pay more, but by using them you do support this website. Thankyou!
In early September, the picturesque town of Ronda bursts into life with the vibrant colours, music, dance, singing, and local wines that mark the annual Pedro Romero Fair and Festival. During this time, the town dons its finest attire, creating a festive atmosphere that offers a rich blend of cultural and leisure activities for both residents and visitors alike.
I’ve been living in this lovely area of Western Andalucia for the last 20 years or so and dedicate most of my time to the running of English language tourist information websites for the towns of Cádiz, Ronda, Grazalema, the famous or infamous Caminito del Rey, and also Wildside Holidays, which promotes sustainable and eco-friendly businesses running wildlife and walking holidays in Spain. My articles contain affiliate links that will help you reserve a hotel, bus, train or activity in the area. You don’t pay more, but by using them you do support this website. Thankyou!
Ronda, a picturesque town perched atop the El Tajo gorge in Andalusia, Spain, has long been known as the “City of Dreams.” This enchanting epithet encapsulates the town’s ethereal beauty, rich history, and cultural significance.
But why has Ronda been bestowed with such a dreamy title? The answer can be found in one of the most influential voices to associate Ronda with dreams, the poet Rainer Maria Rilke. Read on!
I’ve been living in this lovely area of Western Andalucia for the last 20 years or so and dedicate most of my time to the running of English language tourist information websites for the towns of Cádiz, Ronda, Grazalema, the famous or infamous Caminito del Rey, and also Wildside Holidays, which promotes sustainable and eco-friendly businesses running wildlife and walking holidays in Spain. My articles contain affiliate links that will help you reserve a hotel, bus, train or activity in the area. You don’t pay more, but by using them you do support this website. Thankyou!
Since the inception of the Corrida Goyesca in Ronda’s September fair in 1954, the Damas Goyesca of Ronda have been the official representatives of the city, and welcoming committee for visiting dignitaries.
The role is exceptionally demanding, not only from the level of responsibility, but also from the long schedule of training, and gown fittings before the build up to the week’s festivities.
Every year a president of the Damas Goyesca is chosen, usually she is a woman well respected in Ronda, someone who has earned the affection of the people of Ronda, and who is held up as a model of womanhood for others to emulate.
At the same time, fourteen younger Rondeñas are picked to support the president in her duties, typically the younger Damas Goyesca will be in their teens, and of course chosen for their beauty, as well as their grace.
Why the “Goyesca” Ladies?
Every year in Ronda several of the town’s ladies are chosen to be the Damas Goyescas, and represent the ladies seen in some of Francisco de Goya’s paintings of bullfighting and pageantry from the late 18th century. Many of Goya’s paintings were in fact commissioned by a tapestry workshop in Madrid, the aim being to print the paintings on fabric.
The damas Goyesca in Ronda.
Take a look at this 1973 documentary about the life and work of Francisco de Goya
Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes was a Spanish romantic painter and printmaker. He is considered the most important Spanish artist of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. His paintings, drawings, and engravings reflected contemporary historical upheavals and influenced important 19th- and 20th-century painters.
When Goya painted his portraits of nobility, the fashion of the day was for colourful fabrics, and matching accessories such as shoes, fans, hairpieces etc. The gowns worn by Ronda’s Dames Goyesca are not exact copies of those seen in Goya’s paintings, instead they are designed to reflect the matador designs seen in Goya’s paintings of Pedro Romero, so can be said to be complimentary rather than historically correct.
Some art historians argue Goya’s paintings of the Duchess of Alba are the inspiration for the gowns worn by the Damas Goyesca, and to a lesser extent this might be true, in that many of the simpler gowns worn by the ladies are very reminiscent. The more complex designs however have been developed in the 20th century in response to perceived fashions of the 18th century, and as such are even more stunning and beautiful than they would have been.
Each outfit can cost many thousands of Euros, everything is custom made to suit the lady, right down to handmade shoes and lace shawls. In addition, each Goyesca lady usually has another gown for less formal occasions, and perhaps a third for specific medal ceremonies.
The costumes of the Goyesca ladies are quite stunning.
Voicemap GPS Audio Guide for Ronda
Scan the QR code to go directly to the Ronda audio guide at VoiceMap.
Take a trip on the Wildside! Discover the wildlife and nature of Spain, its Natural and National Parks and find the top wildlife, activity and walking holiday companies.
Iberia Nature Forum
Struggling with identifying those bugs and beasties? Why not check out the Iberia nature Forum! https://iberianatureforum.com/
I’ve been living in this lovely area of Western Andalucia for the last 20 years or so and dedicate most of my time to the running of English language tourist information websites for the towns of Cádiz, Ronda, Grazalema, the famous or infamous Caminito del Rey, and also Wildside Holidays, which promotes sustainable and eco-friendly businesses running wildlife and walking holidays in Spain. My articles contain affiliate links that will help you reserve a hotel, bus, train or activity in the area. You don’t pay more, but by using them you do support this website. Thankyou!
Welcome to Ronda Today, your ultimate resource for exploring the captivating city of Ronda, Spain. Immerse yourself in the “City of Dreams” with a FREE printable guide and city map
We have received many emails from people asking for a printed version of Ronda Today so we have created a 21 page A4 essential Guide and map for Ronda Spain from some of the most popular articles on this website.
I’ve been living in this lovely area of Western Andalucia for the last 20 years or so and dedicate most of my time to the running of English language tourist information websites for the towns of Cádiz, Ronda, Grazalema, the famous or infamous Caminito del Rey, and also Wildside Holidays, which promotes sustainable and eco-friendly businesses running wildlife and walking holidays in Spain. My articles contain affiliate links that will help you reserve a hotel, bus, train or activity in the area. You don’t pay more, but by using them you do support this website. Thankyou!
