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The hamlet of Lo Ferro near Torre Pacheco may not seem like the most obvious place to host an international Flamenco festival. Yet, since 1980, the approximately 500 villagers have welcomed many talented Flamenco vocalists, musicians, and dancers into their community each year. Likewise, fans of this fiery and deeply emotional genre of music have increasingly found their way to Lo Ferro. The festival has grown into one of the most important of its kind in Spain and even enjoys international recognition.
The public's attention is especially drawn to the last week of July (July 25 to 27 in 2024). That’s when the finalists, who have passed the preliminary rounds, perform. Their attempts to win the grand prize—the coveted Golden Melon and a cash prize of €12,000—are interspersed with performances by well-known national and international Flamenco artists.
But the performances during the final are only the culmination of a music genre that grips the community almost all year round. In the run-up to the closing night, competitions are held, and fans of the music, which exudes emotion, can take part in online courses.
The love for Flamenco is rekindled from October to May when the community holds gala performances on the first Friday of every month, showcasing shows by Flamenco singers, guitarists, and dancers. Lo Ferro's determination to keep their festival going at all costs was proven in 2020. Due to the coronavirus, many activities were canceled, but the festival organizers found a unique and spectacular solution to the problem. From a cave near Torre Pacheco, they broadcast live Flamenco performances that could be heard on the radio and seen on YouTube.
The reason why the festival winners are awarded the Golden Melon has to do with the importance of the fruit to the region. Torre Pacheco holds a melon festival each June, where everything revolves around this fruit. Workshops, photo contests, cooking competitions, exhibitions, and much more are organized. Anything is possible as long as it involves the noble melon.
