ABSTRACT
Flamenco is recognized as a Spanish musical genre consisting of singing, playing, and dancing. However, flamenco has played a significant socio-political role beyond its musical and artistic aspects since its formation in the mid-nineteenth century. During the Second Spanish Republic and the civil war, flamenco artists used poetry to express identification and support for the Republic. As a result, many were persecuted or forced into exile, while others were even killed. Of those who managed to stay alive in their land, few managed to restore the career they had. However, this narrative was forgotten a few decades later with Franco in power. Instead, flamenco became identified with the dictatorship as a symbol of the Spanish nation. This chapter discusses the forgotten affinity of flamenco artists for the Republic through their songs and personal accounts. While the songs, censored or changed during the dictatorship, reveal their story, the shift in the narrative also sheds some light on flamenco's complex and dynamic role in Spain.
