Over time it evolved into other interpretations in different communities. Flamenco was not always a popular and celebrated art form. In fact, most of Spain had a negative view of flamenco for some time due to its origins within gitano (Roma) culture. However, this passionate, loud and soulful art form became popular amongst tourists who perceived Spain as wild, mysterious and exciting in the 18th and 19th centuries. Stereotypes, which are simplified, popular representations of a certain group, are harmful to many communities, but they actually helped attract tourists that helped the economy during the dictatorship. In the following decades, other artists and historians outside of Spain began to appreciate flamenco for its complexity, expression and artistry.
Gitanos, or Roma, are a group of people known for traveling and migrating frequently. When they came to Spain, the Roma brought tambourines, castanets (small wooden instruments that make a clapping sound as you play them), songs and dances. Encountering Jewish and Arab communities in Spain also influenced some of the sounds you hear in their music. Although flamenco started as performances shared among families, it has become a much larger spectacle. If you listen to some flamenco lyrics, you will likely hear of great tragedy or great love that deeply express human emotions through song, dance and rhythm.
