Spain has always been a musical country, having produced great composers throughout every era since the Middle Ages. However, the more popular side of this musical world, visible in the art of flamenco, only acquired respectability in Europe later on — but then with all the more resounding success. The unique fusion and cross-pollination of Moorish and Sephardic traditions with the music of people living in Spain, the enormous contribution of the Kalé (as the Romani, known as ‘gitanos’ in Spanish, are called on the Iberian Peninsula), diverse African influences, vital elements re-imported from the Hispano-American overseas territories — all of this and even more became amalgamated into a ravishing musical tradition that is recognized throughout the world as typically Spanish. Even though the exact origin of the term ‘flamenco’ is uncertain, the cultural melting pot of Andalusia, with Seville at its centre, is likely to have been its birthplace. Flamenco singing is expressive and richly ornamented, while its instrumental interludes put the guitar centre stage; this is rounded out by additional rhythmic effects, such as interlocking clapping patterns or the clicking of castanets, and the highly characteristic dances. All these elements have grown together and cohered into a fascinating art form that María Pagés brought to its apogee and which is now inscribed as Intangible Cultural Heritage.