Flamenco in Tetouan, Morocco (1912-1936)

This article focuses on the Spanish Protectorate of Morocco, that unique political and administrative body that existed from 1912 to 1956, created as a result of Spanish interest in the North African coast from the end of the Middle Ages onwards. Events in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries led to a first Spanish African War in 1860 and the first occupation of Tetouan. Later, in 1906, the International Conference of Algeciras partitioned Morocco between Spain and France. This created a network of bureaucracy and civil service around the Spanish High Commissariat in Morocco and other auxiliary services which prompted many Spanish civilians and military personnel to colonise the territory. With them came the peninsular lifestyle, particularly artistic and leisure activities in the newly opened bars, "cafe cabarets," cinemas and theatres in which flamenco acquired a great importance.