#SOS TABLAOS

Iconic Casa Patas Building Sold

End of an Era

After 34 years of star-studded performances, the owner of Casa Patas–an iconic flamenco tablao in Madrid–says goodbye to a unique property that has greatly influenced the history of flamenco.

Carmen Linares, Estrella Morente, Tomatito, Remedios Amaya, Agujetas, Chocolate, Terremoto… the list of flamenco greats who have paraded through Casa Patas is endless, and the iconic venue also gave many artists their start- including singing sensation Rosalía, who had her first recital there in 2016. Although performances halted at the height of the pandemic two years ago, many in the flamenco community remained hopeful that the situation was temporary. However this week, owner Martín Guerrero announced that the building has been sold and will close its doors for good on March 31st.

Located in a well known flamenco neighborhood in Madrid, the building was entirely devoted to the art of flamenco. The Fundación Conservatorio Casa Patas, a center dedicated to teaching, researching, and promoting Flamenco was housed on the 1st and 2nd floors. There was a Café Cantante for special events, and a wonderful Sala García Lorca where exclusive flamenco recitals were held. Downstairs the tavern entrance was lined with photographs of flamenco greats who had contributed to its 34-year history (a must-see place for flamenco fans), and the iconic flamenco tablao in the back showcased nightly performances with flamenco’s most esteemed artists.

All in all, this historic building hosted over 500 performances a year! This is a great loss for the flamenco world, but we are grateful for the legacy of Casa Patas, which was honored by the Community of Madrid with the Enrique Maya Award (2009) for its contribution to the development and dissemination of flamenco art, as well as for its continued work in favor of the integration of the Gitano (Roma) people. Martín Guererro says “Many people at the end thanked me for having been able to witness it. And those who never came asked me if they can be nostalgic for what they haven’t experienced.”