Tablao Las Carboneras

Phenomenal performances (2022 and again in 2024) - intimate setting - what a privilege to experience this uniquely Spanish cultural tradition - Highly recommend

If you only do ONE thing in Madrid… go experience this show! So much skill and passion - we were captivated from the first strum of the guitar to the last flourish of the dancers. Probably the highlight of our entire trip! We got the dinner and actually recommend doing so. The food itself was fine - not the best, not the worst - but the bonus is that those who had the dinners also had the best seats. We were right in front of the stage! Don’t think of it as paying extra for dinner - think of it as paying more for great seats, and then getting a nice dinner included as a bonus. Amazing experience!!

Yesterday, our group was treated to a private lunch and flamenco experience at Las Carboneras, organised by our tour company, Tauck. This wasn’t just any flamenco performance—it was something entirely unique, just like every show at this intimate restaurant. During the performance, one of the dancers shared how flamenco at Los Carboneras is not rehearsed or scripted. In fact, 90% of what we witnessed was pure improvisation—every clap, every strum of the guitar, every step of the dance. She said, “It’s like a university for us, where we learn from one another every day. We never disconnect, and what you saw today will never be repeated again.” The beauty of this show wasn’t just in the skill of the performers but in the energy exchange between the artists and the audience. As the dancer explained, “We use energy—your energy and ours—to create something special each time.”Knowing that what we experienced was truly one-of-a-kind made it all the more special. Our guide also put the whole experience into perspective, explaining how flamenco is a blend of Spain’s many cultural influences from the qCeltic and Basque roots of the north to the Islamic sounds woven into the music. Flamenco itself has deep ties to the Romani people, who have been in Spain for over 2,000 years. He said, “By ending your journey in Madrid with flamenco, you’ve experienced a piece of the country’s cultural soul.” It was such a special afternoon, one made even more exclusive by Tauck’s thoughtful organisation. If you ever have the chance to see flamenco in this setting, don’t miss it—it’s not just a show, but a living, breathing piece of Spain’s cultural history.

Overall, it was a good experience. While it’s clearly geared towards tourists, this was a memorable part of my trip to Madrid. I wouldn’t recommend booking the dinner; there are many alternatives that offer superior authenticity and quality, all without the presence of canned tuna. The performers truly give their best, and the guitar playing was outstanding. However, the seating arrangement doesn’t seem to prioritize arrival time. Despite being first in line, we had to watch the show from a 90-degree angle because the tickets purchased through their system were not recognized.

Unbelievable! You must go! The show was so intimate, the dancers were amazing, the singers and guitar players so talented. Went with my oldest son and our vacation tour friends and we all loved it.

I am no expert of the artistic expression generally called flamenco, so take this with a grain of salt.Ever since I first saw Sargent's painting, "El Jaleo," I have loved this stuff. And sitting & watching the spectacle at Los Carboneras I thought fondly of the painting & was moved. Totally loved it! Highly recommend!