International Festival of the Singing of the MinesFestival Internacional del Cante de las Minas

The Festival Internacional del Cante de las Minas is an annual flamenco festival held each summer in the mining city of La Unión (Murcia, Spain) since 1961 1. It is centered on the traditional "cantes mineros" style of flamenco singing, with top flamenco artists from around Spain competing for prizes including the coveted prize called the "Lámpara Minera" 1. Considered one of Spain's most prestigious flamenco events, La Unión becomes a "world capital of flamenco" during the festival, which has been declared a Fiesta of International Tourist Interest 2 3. Murcia tourism officials note that "La Unión es flamenca porque tiene el Cante de las Minas" – the festival is seen as a defining cultural hallmark of the region 4.

The festival celebrates the unique mining flamenco heritage of La Unión. The "cantes mineros" (miners' songs and related styles like tarantas and levanticas) originated in the 19th century as Andalusian mining workers brought their flamenco traditions to the Sierra Minera of Cartagena-La Unión. By 2010 these styles were declared a national Bien de Interés Cultural (intangible heritage) by Spain 1. The festival preserves these traditions through competitive galas and cultural activities that honor the miners' history. Each summer the city pays tribute to its mining past via flamenco music, gastronomy, dance and local art, turning La Unión into what organizers call the "Catedral del Cante" (Cathedral of Song) during the event 2 3.