ABSTRACT
The inclusion of flamenco in the Andalusian Statute of Autonomy and its inscription on the Representative List by UNESCO has greatly influenced the development of the tradition. This chapter focuses on responses from members of the Platform and their thoughts on its relevance for their own sense of geographical identity. Alternative interpretations of regional geography and history have become important factors in raising awareness for the east-Andalusian movement. The Platform's historical narrative has become an important part of its claims for autonomy. This narrative begins after the collapse of al-Andalus as a unified Islamic territory in 1031, when Spain was fragmented into smaller Islamic kingdoms. The transition to democracy in 1978 and the subsequent declaration of Andalusian autonomy meant that, for east-Andalusian regionalists, the fear of centralisation in Seville was finally realised The chapter exposes some of the more contentious issues that underline the regionalisation of flamenco and what it means for some Andalusians.
