The Festival Stages

The Old Public Market, also known as the Festival Palace or the Cathedral of Cante, has been home to the prestigious International Flamenco Festival of Cante de las Minas since 1978. Located in Joaquín Costa Square in the heart of La Unión, it has been designated a Cultural Heritage Site (BIC) since 1975 and is considered a Modernist/Eclectic building.

This structure symbolizes the values of the local bourgeoisie, who were devoted to the idea of “progress” during the golden age of underground mining. The La Unión Market, along with the “Gran Hotel” building in Cartagena, represents two of the most prominent modernist works in the Region of Murcia, reflecting the incorporation of new materials—iron and glass—into the regional modernist style.

Originally designed as a marketplace for the town of La Unión, it was built during the early 20th century when the area was experiencing an economic boom thanks to the rise of lead and silver mining. Constructed in 1907, as indicated on one of its facades, the building played a key role in the urban renewal of the town.

Joaquín Costa Square, known as the ‘Flamenco Avenue,’ will host this edition’s “Cante en la Calle” performances, as well as the activities included in the Festival’s cultural agenda. This way, both visitors and locals will be able to enjoy performances, lectures, award ceremonies, and tributes, all taking place outdoors and free of charge. The aim is to bring flamenco closer to the public and promote its dissemination.

The program will unfold in a square located on Calle Mayor, the main commercial artery of the town, on an open-air stage flanked by the “Tribute to the Miner” sculpture and the iconic ‘Cathedral of Cante’ (Old Public Market). This modernist building from the early 20th century serves as the official venue of the festival, providing a stunning backdrop for each event.