While going through my old hard drives, I came across some pictures I had taken in 2014. These were pictures clicked during the first edition of the Jodhpur Flamenco and Gypsy Festival held at the Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur, Rajasthan. The Mehrangarh Museum trust, the Spanish embassy and Cante de las Minas started this festival to celebrate the Romani/Gypsy culture of Spain and Rajasthan.

Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur, provides the festival with a truly magical setting. Perched atop a rugged hill, Mehrangarh Fort is a major tourist attraction of the city. This 15th-century former palace is now a museum which displays weapons, paintings, and royal palanquins. One of the largest and most magnificent forts in Rajasthan, Mehrangarh boasts to be the only fort in India with an elevator. Not an elevator in modern terms, but it is a big help for those who have trouble taking the steep path leading inside the fort.

Flamenco is an art form based on the various folkloric music traditions of Spain. The Romanis have one of the most dramatic stories in human history. Not many people know their tales of travel, persecution and survival. Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, is said to be the place from where the Romanis departed to migrate around the world more than 1000 years ago. Romanis worldwide are known for their singing, dancing and musical skills. Their artistic traditions are passed from generation to generation, most often within families and community.

Beautiful memories came rushing back as I went through the pictures. Mehrangarh Fort, which is usually quiet and peaceful in the evenings, came alive with renditions of mesmerising music by a team of world-renowned Rajasthani musicians from the Manganiyar community. They enthralled the audience with their earthly compositions. The performances that evening were a blend of Spanish Flamenco and Rajasthani folk music and dance. 

The dancers stamped their heels, swayed, and twisted their arms and palms. The spontaneity of the Flamenco dancers ensured that no two performances were the same.

Flamenco dancer Karen Lugo enthralled the audience with multiple fusions with international and Rajasthani players. She wowed the audience with her sensational moves. Her powerful expressions and strong footwork complemented every beat that played in the background.

The costumes of the Flamenco dancers were fascinating. They were figure-hugging, and the skirts were layered and colourful, mostly in black, blue & red. Traje de flamenco or Flamenco dance wear originated from the Spanish Romanis. Flamenco Shoes are specially constructed to support & protect the feet during intensive foot stamping.

Rajasthani folk musicians with their mystical sounds took me back in time. The dance performances of the Kalbelia community left the audience spellbound.

Tamar Gonzalez made it seem like flamenco was intended to be danced to Rajasthani folk music. Her hands seem to grab music from the air.

World-famous jazz pianists, bassists, dancers, drummers and guitarists set the spirits of the festival high. The jugalbandhi between Karen Lugo and the Manganiar artists set the stage alight.