In 1492, under the rule of King Ferdinand II and Queen Isabella I, Jews, Gypsies, and Moors were expelled from Spain. Along with native Andalucians, they were forced to take refuge in the Andalucian mountains. There they could escape the Inquisition, which threatened their very survival.
While in exile, the people of these distinct cultures together conceived a new and exciting musical art form, characterized by pride, passion, and defiant dignity. It incorporated acoustic-guitar playing, singing, chanting, dancing, and staccato hand-clapping. This bold, provocative,1 and unique style was named“Flamenco”。