Five years walking with Akabane

4 days ago

3 min read

An account published on 27 April 2026. “Today” and “next year” refer to the event and hopes at that time.

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Today marked the end of the Akabane Baka Matsuri, and it was a very special day for BG Flamenco Academy.

It was about more than simply taking part in a parade.

It meant walking once again within an Akabane tradition that began in 1956 and is celebrating its 68th edition this year. A festival with almost 70 years of history, full of people, music, joy, colour and life in the streets.

For us, taking part here always carries a very deep meaning.

According to our own experience, BG Flamenco Academy was the first flamenco academy to take part in this parade, and Benito García was the first Spaniard to be part of it. And this year, we returned for the fifth time.

But the most beautiful part of the day was about more than that piece of history.

The most beautiful part was seeing all the students who had signed up for the event.

They were magnificent.

They danced a choreography created especially for this day, with energy, presence and joy. Despite the heat, the tiredness and everything involved in preparing to perform in the street in front of so many people, they gave their very best.

During the parade, we received so much applause.

People smiled when they saw us.

They said lovely things to us.

“You all look wonderful.”

“How beautiful.”

And so many other words that stayed with us as a very special memory of this day.

Those are the moments that give meaning to all the work.

Because we offer this opportunity for more than just dancing.

We offer it so that flamenco can reach more people. So that those watching from the street can encounter a part of Spanish culture, even if only for a few minutes. So that Japan and Spain can grow a little closer through movement, music, joy and respect.

Every student who signs up to take part makes that bridge possible.

Thanks to them, many people who may never have seen flamenco so close up were able to feel it for the first time. And that means an enormous amount to us.

I hope that one day all our students will be able to take part.

I hope there will be more of us every year.

Not just to make the group bigger, but because every person who takes part helps us keep planting the seeds of flamenco in Japan.

Today, yes, the tiredness remains.

The heat still lingers in our bodies.

The photos, laughter, nerves and memories remain.

But above all, gratitude remains.

Thank you to all the students who took part.

Thank you to everyone who helped.

Thank you to the people who watched us with warmth from the street.

Thank you, Akabane, for welcoming us into your parade once again.

I hope we return next year with more students, more strength and more joy.