Festival del Cante de las Minas

Held in La Unión, in the mining region of Cartagena in Murcia, this festival is devoted to flamenco, and specifically to the mining and Levantine songs (cantes mineros y levantinos) that emerged in the 19th century among Andalusian miners in the area. Founded in 1961, it has run every year since and brings together singing, dance and guitar, combining competitions for emerging talent with galas featuring established performers. Declared of national tourist interest, it is regarded as one of the most important flamenco gatherings in the world.