cantes

Cantes is the term used in flamenco to refer to the various traditional song forms, collectively known as palos. Each palo has its own melodic character, rhythmic pattern (compás), tempo, and emotional mood. Singers, or cantaores, often improvise within the framework of a palo, typically with guitar accompaniment and sometimes with dancing, clapping, and vocal interjections.

The flamenco cante originated in Andalusia, Spain, and developed under a mix of influences from Romani communities, Moorish and Sephardic traditions, and regional folk music. It began to take its distinctive shape in the 18th and 19th centuries and was further codified by performers in the 20th century, becoming a central element of flamenco performance in tablaos and festivals around the world. In 2010, UNESCO designated flamenco as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity, recognizing the cante as a core element of the art form.

Among the most well-known palos are soleá, seguiriya, tangos, alegrías, bulerías, fandangos, tarantas, sevillanas, and guajiras. Each palo has a unique compás, or rhythmic cycle, that guides its melody and phrasing. Some forms, often described as deeper or more solemn—sometimes referred to as cante jondo—include seguiriyas and soleá, while others are lighter or more festive. The cante, together with the dance (baile) and guitar playing (toque), constitutes the core of flamenco performance and its expressive vocabulary.