As it is tradition, the singing of saetas will resonate this Holy Week from some of the most emblematic balconies in the city, accompanying the processions in the Centro district. The initiative, organized by the Department of Culture, Tourism, and Sports of the Madrid City Council, in collaboration with the Society of Artists Interpreters or Performers of Spain (AIE) and their AIEnRUTa Flamenco circuit, will bring together renowned flamenco singers to perform this religious chant from three historic buildings: the Real Casa de Correos, the Casa de la Villa, and the Four Seasons Hotel Madrid.
Great specialist voices will offer a total of six saetas between Maundy Thursday (April 17) and Holy Saturday (April 19), solidifying this musical style as one of the traditional sounds of Madrid’s Holy Week. The first will be performed by Moisés Vargas, as the procession of Jesus ‘El Pobre’ passes by (April 17, at 7:30 p.m., from the balcony of Casa de la Villa). The singer from Huelva has trained with great figures such as Arcángel, Esperanza Fernández, and ‘El Pele’, and has performed in tablaos and festivals in Spain and Europe, winning numerous awards, especially in fandangos competitions in Huelva.
José Campos Cortés, known artistically as Morenito de Íllora Hijo, will then take over and sing his saeta as the procession of Jesus del Gran Poder and La Macarena passes by (April 17, at 9:30 p.m., from the balcony of the Real Casa de Correos). This singer from Cádiz with a flamenco lineage is the son of the renowned Morenito de Íllora and the grandson of Juan Montoya. He has performed on national and international stages, standing out for his mastery of rhythm and a style that combines ancient wisdom and contemporary sensibility. His singing has been praised by figures like Tomatito.
On Good Friday, the young singer Reyes Carrasco will interpret a saeta at the meeting of the Seven Sorrows and the Christ of the Halberdiers (April 18, at 9:00 p.m., on the balcony of Casa de la Villa). At just 19 years old, the artist from Seville already impresses with her vocal and artistic maturity. Awarded in important competitions, she has shared the stage with great figures like Miguel Poveda or India Martínez.
Subsequently, the Madrid native Lela Soto will dedicate a saeta to the Virgin of Solitude and Jesus of Medinaceli (April 18, at 9:30 p.m., from the Four Seasons Hotel Madrid). The daughter of the singer Vicente Soto ‘Sordera’ and the dancer Luisa Heredia, she is one of the young voices with the greatest projection in contemporary flamenco. Her powerful and versatile voice has led her to collaborate with great artists like Alejandro Sanz, Pitingo, or Niña Pastori, and to participate in festivals worldwide.
This day, the saetas will conclude with the one performed by the Sevillian Manuel de la Tomasa, in homage to the Divine Captive (April 18, at 9:45 p.m., from the Real Casa de Correos). This young singer is a direct descendant of legends like Manuel Torre, Manuel Vallejo, and José de la Tomasa. Although he started with the guitar, his singing, full of ancestral echo, depth, and serenity, has positioned him as one of the great promises of contemporary flamenco.
The last saeta of Madrid’s Holy Week will take place on Holy Saturday and will be performed by Rocío Luna, at the meeting of the Virgin of Solitude and the Lying Christ (April 19, at 6:30 p.m., from the balcony of Casa de la Villa). Born in Cañada del Rabadán (Córdoba), this young singer started on stage at just seven years old. Graduated in Flamenco singing, she has received awards such as the Lampara Minera from the International Cante de las Minas Competition or the Melón de Oro from the Lo Ferro festival.
The schedules of all saetas are approximate and will depend on the passage of the processions.
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