Palos

Palos is the plural form of palo in Spanish and can refer to several different concepts depending on the context. In flamenco, palos are the distinct stylistic categories of cante (singing), baile (dance), and toque (guitar). Each palo has its own defined compás (rhythmic cycle), tempo, and mood, and is associated with specific melodic phrases, rhythms, and dance movements. Examples include soleá, seguiriya, bulería, alegrías, tangos, and fandango, among many others. Palos are not merely genres but formal structures within flamenco performance, often learned and interpreted within a tradition that emphasizes both communal forms and individual expression. The study of palos covers rhythm (compás), vocal style, letras (lyrics), and dance choreography, with regional and personal variations influencing performance.

Geography and names: Palos de la Frontera is a municipality in the province of Huelva, Spain, on the Atlantic coast. It is historically notable as the departure point of Christopher Columbus’s first voyage to the Americas in 1492. The name Palos appears in other geographic names in Spanish-speaking regions and can also be a surname.

Other uses: In everyday Spanish, palo simply means a stick or staff. The plural palos can refer to multiple sticks or, in discussions of flamenco, to the various established styles within the art form.