Flamenco music has inspired many to search for its origins, yet music historians have not yet concurred on its history. Myths abound, but facts are few. One thing is certain: Flamenco music evolved from a multitude of cultures and influences. Moorish, Christian, Gypsy and non-Gypsy cultures have all influenced the music, yet it is difficult to unravel the strands in order to pin down which culture contributed each influence.
The word ‘Flamenco’ most likely has its roots in the Arabic language. In the early nineteenth century, the word was a slang expression used to describe a snob. Curiously, the word’s meaning changed radically to denote the Gypsy (Gitano) population of the region. A few years later, people began using ‘Flamenco’ to describe the Gypsies’ songs and dances. Finally, at the century’s end, the word took on its modern meaning, the ‘Cante Flamenco’ denoting a type of Andalusian song that shared its origins with both the Gypsy and non-Gypsy cultures of Andalusia.
