Antonio Chacón’s Dream: The Villa Rosa

Imagine Madrid, 1911. The city is buzzing, cafés cantantes are living their last golden days, and a cantaor from Jerez, already a respected legend, has a dream. Not just any dream.
A vision of elegance, of pure art, of a place where flamenco could dress up and shine. That man was Don Antonio Chacón, the “Papa of Cante,” and his dream came to life in Plaza Santa Ana, giving birth to the iconic Villa Rosa — the very same space that is now our beloved Tablao Flamenco 1911!

Yes, the history of our tablao begins here, with a master of cante who wanted to create a temple for his art. A story that deserves to be told!

Who Was Chacón? The Elegant Voice That Conquered Madrid

Before becoming the soul of Villa Rosa, Antonio Chacón was already a star. Born in Jerez, he conquered Madrid with a voice as smooth as silk and encyclopedic flamenco knowledge.
He didn’t have the gritty tone of other gypsy singers, but his pitch was flawless, his taste refined, and his way of delivering songs—especially malagueñas (some say he practically invented them!)—was stunning.
His style was elegance turned into cante.

The Birth of an Icon: “I’m Going to Open a Colmao…”

Tired of the noise of the cafés cantantes or perhaps looking for a more dignified space for the art he loved, Chacón decided to take a bold leap. He envisioned a different kind of “colmao”—
a classy, select venue where flamenco could be heard with respect. And so, in 1911, he opened the doors of Villa Rosa.

What a stir it must have caused! The most famous cantaor of the moment opening his own venue.
It instantly became the meeting point for Madrid’s cultural elite: artists, intellectuals, bullfighters, aristocrats… everyone wanted to be there and be seen at Don Antonio’s place.
He performed there, of course, but more importantly, he made sure to bring the very best of cante, dance, and guitar. He raised the bar from day one!

The Spirit of Chacón: Enduring Quality and Authenticity

That founding idea of Chacón —the pursuit of artistic excellence, respect for flamenco, and the creation of a special atmosphere— is the DNA of this place. It is the legacy we embrace today at Tablao Flamenco 1911.

Although more than a hundred years have passed, on many nights, when silence fills the room and a cante jondo is heard or a guitar weeps through a soleá, you can almost feel the presence of Don Antonio, the master who dreamed up this magical corner.

More than a Singer, the Founding Soul

To remember Chacón is not just to remember a legendary singer. For us, it means honoring the visionary who brought these four walls to life, the man who laid the first stone of over a century of uninterrupted flamenco history in the heart of Madrid. His legacy is twofold: his immortal art and this tablao that still pulses with passion.

Connect with the Living History of Flamenco

Next time you visit us, take a moment. Look around, feel the soul of the place, and remember that you are standing where Don Antonio Chacón once decided to create a temple for flamenco. It’s an experience that goes beyond the show.

Be part of the legend. Book your night at the tablao founded by Chacón.

Come feel the history and the art at Tablao Flamenco 1911!