Last dance for legendary Madrid flamenco bar

There’ sa really special energy here, built on years of stories, of life, of singing and dancing, joy, tears and emotion

A Madrid flamenco bar that has played host to some of Spain’s top performers, including an early-career set from Grammyaward winner Rosalia, is shutting down as audiences dwindle in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

For nearly 40 years eager fans have crammed into Casa Patas’ flamenco hall — known as a tablao — to experience the electrifying spectacle of stamping feet, furious guitars and impassioned singing associated with the genre.

“There’s a really special energy here, built on years of stories, of life, of singing and dancing, joy, tears and emotion,” dancer Mariana Collado said.

Beneath the glare of the stage lights she twirled and tapped her high-heeled shoes in front of the empty hall.

“I hope this isn’t the last time I get to take to this stage.”

Casa Patas has been closed since hard-hit Spain introduced one of the world’s toughest coronavirus lockdowns on March 14.

The government has since eased restrictions, but with the tourist industry that provides three-quarters of the bar’s clientele brought to a standstill, owner Martin Guerrero has decided not to reopen.

“Most of our audience is international. And these international customers can’t travel,” he said. A company that has no customers can’t make any money and a company that makes no money can’t survive.”

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