Spain Brings Flamenco to New York City

The Andalusia region of Spain is coming to New York in February with the sixth annual Flamenco Festival. The 2006 Flamenco Festival at New York City Center will feature celebrity performers and more than 100 dancers, singers and musicians Feb. 15–19. The festival program was expanded this year to include performances at additional New York venues, a series of innovative activities and cultural events, as well as an advertising and promotion campaign aimed at increasing tourism to Andalusia. New Yorkers will enjoy opportunities to meet with the artists (at the Instituto Cervantes) and participate in discussions and seminars. There are screenings of flamenco films and travel presentations including "Flamenco Routes through Andalusia" (at the King Juan Carlos I of Spain Center, NYU). Select New York restaurants will feature an Andalusia Food Festival Week. A private Flamenco Festival performance will be held for travel professionals and the media, by invitation only. Andalusia tourism representatives and hoteliers will conduct seminars and presentations and visit leading travel agencies and other travel organizations. An advertising and promotional campaign will coincide with the festival, enhancing awareness of Andalusia. Andalusia will have a presence on radio, in magazines, and with outdoor posters on bus shelters and telephone kiosks strategically located in key areas around the Theater District and key neighborhoods.