Spain Celebrating Flamenco, Picasso

MALAGA, Spain - Flamenco has roots in Andalusia and Pablo Picasso was born there, 125 years ago. This year the region is celebrating both the dance and the artist with exhibits and performances.

Visitors can choose from among several five-day flamenco-themed itineraries as a way of touring Andalusia. Each route includes free guitar, singing and dance performances, along with a flamenco class. Lectures in Spanish will also be offered at each event, with an English-speaking host on hand as well. You can drive the route yourself or sign up for a package through a tour operator. The events are scheduled for certain weeks in April, May and June, resuming September through December. Details at http://www.andalucia.org (click on "Telematic Flamenco Guide").

Picasso was born in Malaga, and the Museo Picasso Malaga is paying tribute to its most famous son with a show on view through June 11 called "The Picassos of Antibes," which depicts mythical characters and pagan scenes painted by the artist when he lived in the south of France in 1946. The 73 works have never been exhibited in Spain before; many are on loan from the Musee Picasso Antibes in France, which is being refurbished. The Museo Picasso Malaga, which opened in 2003 in the 16th century Buenavista Palace, will also host "Picasso: The Female Figure" beginning in October. Details at http://www.museopicassomalaga.org.

Barcelona's Museu Picasso is also hosting three special exhibits this year, "Picasso: A Passion for Drawing," through May 8; "Picasso and the Circus," opening Nov. 15, and "The Picassos from Antibes" show, which moves from Malaga to Barcelona on July 4. In addition, Barcelona's Picasso museum is presenting concerts and ballets as part of the 125th anniversary. Details at http://www.museupicasso.bcn.es.

Other tourism news from Spain this season includes the launching of a new year-round, nonstop flight between the U.S. and Barcelona on May 17, when Continental Airlines begins daily flights out of Newark Airport to the Spanish city.

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