Only a few days ago the organization of the Festival Nacional del Cante de las Minas de La Unión was celebrating the decision of Spain’s Ministry of Tourism to declare the prestigious event of international interest for tourists, an official denomination awarded selectively.
photo: Rafael Manjavavas
Nearly one half-century after its humble beginnings, the La Unión
festival has become the most important annual flamenco event in the world,
and the Lámpara Minera, top prize at the festival, one of the most
coveted trophies. In each of the 45 editions celebrated so far, it has
always been customary to pay tribute to an individual in recognition of
his or her contribution to flamenco. This last August, 2006, dancer Cristina
Hoyos was so honored, and it has just been announced that the next edition
of the festival will be dedicated to Juan Miguel Ramírez Sarabia,
our most universal man from Cádiz, otherwise known as Chano Lobato.
The singer turns 80 next year, and what better gift than to be the object
of such an important tribute, which will include a series of conferences
and other acts revolving around his life and work. Other celebrities recently
honored at La Unión have been filmmaker Carlos Saura, dancer Antonio
Gades and singer Paquera de Jerez.
