The TABLAO DE CARMEN, now boasting 18 years of success, is keeping alive the tradition of the best Flamenco. The Tablao de Carmen takes its name after the great "bailaora" (dancer) Carmen Amaya, born in 1915 in Somorrostro, the gypsy neighbourhood that once was situated in what is now the "Villa Olímpica" (Olympic village). Carmen Amaya started her career in 1929, the year of the International Exhibition in Barcelona, in a show attended by King Alfonso XIII, for the inauguration of Poble Espanyol of Montjuïc, in the premises of what is nowadays the Tablao de Carmen.

Since its origin, the artistic breakthrough of the Tablao de Carmen has always been outstanding. We feel obliged by the name we bear, and stand proud that our good name and prestige lies in the coherence and quality of our programs. In our shows, we maintain the purest of traditions and the highest level, above any consideration on fashion, prejudices and commercial interests.

But far from us to believe that to maintain the tradition means standing back on the same standards. Our show has always counted with well-known artists of the Flamenco, that combine their art with that of young rising stars that have used tablaos as a first step in their careers. Thus, the show always gets renewed, without incurring in a low quality folklore.

The show is a typical "tablao" one, with no formal choreography or synchronised organisation. There is a large enough sample of the most important styles (palo flamenco), so that both specialists and neophytes may appreciate or get to know the art of flamenco in its diversity and generosity: music, songs and dancing. Each artist shows the best of his art individually, while soloists are magnificently supported by the beat and the rhythm. This is what brings about the public's involvement, by means of "palmas" or exclamations. The public's participation is a key point in the show, one that ensures that no two of them are the same.

Another important feature of the Tablao de Carmen is its localisation, in the Poble Espanyol, in the Montjuïc tourist zone. Montjuïc's mountain is one of the most important green zone in the city, and has many tourist attractions.

One may discover from the most antique to some of the newest in Catalunya's history and culture: El Grec (a Greek theatre, important museums such as MNAC (National Museum of Art of Catalunya), the Miro foundation, Fira de Barcelona (on of the most important and active fair premises in Europe), and El Anillo Olímpico (the Olympic Ring), as a symbol of the latest urban transformation of Barcelona.

In Montjuïc is also found El Poble Espanyol, built in 1929 for the International Exhibition held in Barcelona. It takes its name from the fact that it has been conceived as a sample of the richness and diversity of the Spanish culture, and it boasts replicas or buildings inspired on the most representative ones in the different regions of Spain.

A visit to Poble Espanyol is an excellent means to get to know the most significant aspects of the history and culture of Spain, as there are also interesting craftsworks to buy. Also, the Poble Espanyol is an area with an excellent offer in entertainment, with restaurants, bars and discos for all tastes and at all hours. The mix of Poble Espanyol's offer in culture, tradition and entertainment has made it the one of the most visited tourist destinations in Barcelona, with 1.631.349 visitors in 1996. El Tablao de Carmen is situated in its "barrio andaluz" (Andaluz neighbourhood), in a typically andaluz street, and both the exterior and interior atmosphere are key factors to help the visitor grasp the most authentic Flamenco spirit.

The setting is reminiscent of a stylish Seville Fair where the intimacy of audience and artist creates a warm and festive atmosphere. Multiple white fairy lights illuminate the hall at different levels and at different intensities. The layout for the permises is like that of a small theatre. The show can be viewed perfectly from any of the tables. The approximate capacity is of 170 persons.

La supply of the place includes also the Patio Cordobés, typical of the Andalusian houses (of Arabian origin). The flowers are the main motif of the decoration, the capacity is of 75 persons and there´s also the possibility of reserving the hall exclusively.

Our "à la carte", composed by typical products of the Catalan and Andalusian cuisine, it´s been varieting depending on the demand but always according to the quality of the show. Also, we´re open to attend personalized and specific demands or special conditions for groups when all the details are given with enough previousness.

All our buildings are ready to attend any kind of activity or event, if our capacity is big enough.

- All reservations include free entrance to the Poble Espanyol, of historic and cultural interest.

- The special menus need to be previously booked.

- For groups over 15 people is necessary to confirm the menu in advance.

- There is also a great tapas selection which you can order in advance.

- Capacity: 170 persons.