fandango

Fandango is a term used for two main meanings. The traditional fandango is a lively Spanish dance and musical form that originated in Andalusia and spread through the Iberian Peninsula and the Americas. It is typically performed to guitar, percussion, and castanets, with singing and often improvised footwork. The rhythm and structure vary by region, and the form is closely associated with the flamenco repertoire. Fandangos may be sung as duets or group performances and have appeared in both courtly and folk contexts since the 18th century, influencing later flamenco styles.

Fandango also refers to Fandango Media, an American online entertainment company. Founded in 2000, it operates the Fandango online ticketing platform for movie showtimes and tickets, along with related services such as mobile apps and film information. In 2016, NBCUniversal acquired Fandango, making it part of its broader media portfolio. The company also owns Rotten Tomatoes, a widely used film and television information and review site, which is integrated into its entertainment ecosystem. The name reflects the shared cultural resonance of the term, though the dance and the ticketing platform are unrelated in function.

In addition to these primary uses, the term fandango has appeared in various cultural and artistic contexts, including music and performance pieces, but the two elements described above represent the most common references in contemporary usage.