What is "tablao"

A tablao (colloquial term for the Spanish "tablado", floorboard) is a place where flamenco shows are performed. Developed during the sixties of the 20th century throughout Spain replacing the "cafés cantantes" ( cabarets).

The "cafés cantantes" were entertainment establishments where, in addition to serving drinks, offered performances of singing, playing and dancing flamenco. These cafés had its peak from mid-19th century and well into the second decade of the 20th century.

The "cafés cantantes" used to have all the same decorative style: walls decorated with bullfighting posters and mirrors in a large room with tables, and at the back which was the tablao where artists offer their shows