This week sees the start of the Festival del Cante de las Minas in La Union, Murcia.

This festival of “mine songs” is now in its 52nd year and is said to be the oldest flamenco festival in the world. It will run from 01 – 11 August 2012.

La Union sits around half way between Cartagena and La Manga on the Mar Menor and has a mining history stretching back to the Roman period.

The Festival will start on Wednesday 01 August (free entry), at El Antiguo Mercado Público, with an opening speech by novelist María Dueñas and performances by the four winners of last year’s contests. There will then be six consecutive days of flamenco competition and performances by famous artists starting with dancer Sara Baras on 2nd August.

The semifinals of the flamenco singing, guitar, dancing and instrument contests will take place 08 – 10 August and the festival will end with the Grand Final on Saturday 11 August.

For further information visit the official website: www.fundacioncantedelasminas.com