Flamenco Dance: Choosing Your Ideal Shawl, Mantón de Manila

The Spanish Shawl, called Mantón de Manila, is more than just a beautiful accessory—it's a symbol of Spanish heritage, artistry, and the passionate world of flamenco. Whether you’re a seasoned flamenco dancer or a lover of Spanish culture, here’s everything you need to know about finding the perfect mantón de Manila and caring for it.

The mantón de Manila traces its origins to the vibrant trade routes between Spain and the Philippines in the 16th and 17th centuries. Originally crafted in China and brought to Manila, then a Spanish colony, these exquisite silk shawls journeyed to Spain, where they became a cherished part of Andalusian culture. Early mantones featured Chinese motifs such as temples, dragons, birds, and pagodas. Over time, at the request of Spanish women, the designs evolved. Spanish women began to request embroidery featuring Spanish symbols like roses, as well as the addition of fringes. According to renowned dancer La Lupi, fringes were first added to the mantón in Mexico during their passage to Spain. The shawls arrived at the port of Acapulco and, along with other Chinese goods, were transported by mules to Veracruz before being shipped onward. Adorned with intricate embroidery, vibrant colors, and long, elegant fringes, the mantón de Manila, along with other dance accessories, became an essential element of flamenco dance and Spanish fashion.

When searching for a genuine mantón de Manila, authenticity truly matters. The best place to purchase these exquisite shawls is in Spain, as authentic mantones are rarely found elsewhere unless imported directly. Some of the finest mantones are crafted by Bordados Foronda in Seville and Artesanía Nava in Lagartera. 

At La Candela Flamenco, we source our shawls directly from the renowned Bordados Foronda, ensuring each piece is made from the highest quality silk and finished with meticulous attention to fringe detail.

Selecting the right mantón de Manila is not easy, but several key factors can help guide your decision:

• Material: Authentic mantones de Manila are nowadays made from pure silk. Many shawls advertised as mantones de Manila are not genuine if they are made from anything but silk.
• Embroidery: Choose shawls that are hand-embroidered, as genuine silk cannot be machine embroidered. If a shawl features machine embroidery, it is not authentic silk. Only hand embroidery provides the flexibility and movement essential for flamenco dance.
• Size: Pay attention to the shawl’s dimensions. For flamenco dancers, the standard size is 140 x 140 cm (approximately 55 x 55 inches), and the shawl should always be square.
• Fringes: Long, hand-knotted fringes add dramatic flair and movement—an essential feature for flamenco performances. The combined length of the latticework and fringe should be substantial to ensure the right effect.
• Weight: Look for a balanced ratio between the weight of the fabric and the fringes with latticework. Heavy embroidery does not always mean a better shawl. Make sure the latticework is substantial and the fringes are long enough to allow for optimal movement. The total weight of a manton should be at least 650 grams (1.4 lb).
• Color: Choose a color that complements your costume or personal style. Traditional hues like red, black, and ivory are timeless, but don’t hesitate to explore bold, modern shades.
• Price: Be prepared to invest at least $500 in a quality embroidered mantón suitable for dancing. The intricate craftsmanship required for both the embroidery and fringe justifies this price. Shawls priced lower are unlikely to meet the standards necessary for performance.

A manton de Manila is a work of art from Spain, and with proper care, it will remain a cherished piece for years to come: 

• Storage: Store your mantón folded in a cotton bag inside a paper box, adding a few bay leaves to deter insects. Avoid hanging the shawl for extended periods, as this can stretch both the fabric and the fringes.
• Ironing: If needed, use a steamer to remove wrinkles from the shawl. Before steaming, lightly spray the fringes with a mixture of water and fabric softener to help detangle them and give a smoother appearance.
• Washing: While Bordados Foronda recommends dry cleaning on every tag, at La Candela Flamenco we have successfully hand-washed many silk mantones and believe it can be an effective way to preserve them. However, washing should be done only very rarely.
• Practicing: If possible, invest in both a performance mantón and a practice mantón (mantón de ensayo). Practice mantones have become increasingly popular in recent years due to the rising cost of embroidered silk shawls. Silk, especially when embroidered, is delicate and can develop holes with frequent use. There are many types of practice mantones available. At La Candela Flamenco, we recommend shawls made from durable viscose with a touch of acrylic, which adds the necessary weight to mimic embroidery and makes the fabric less slippery.

At La Candela Flamenco shop, we celebrate this tradition by offering authentic mantones de Manila, hand-selected from Spain to elevate your dance and style.

The mantón de Manila is not only a symbol of Spanish tradition and flamenco, but also a cherished fashion accessory among Spanish women. Its vibrant colors and intricate embroidery make it a striking addition to any wardrobe, whether draped over the shoulders for formal occasions, worn by brides or wedding guests, or paired with evening dresses during festivals and special celebrations. The mantón’s versatility allows it to be styled in various ways—over the shoulders, as a wrap, or even as a dress—bringing elegance and cultural heritage to both classic and contemporary outfits. Today, its timeless appeal continues to inspire fashion designers and remains a beloved element of Spanish style. 

A manton de Manila is more than an accessory—it’s an expression of artistry, tradition, and passion. Explore our curated selection on Etsy and find the perfect shawl to complete your flamenco outfit or add a touch of Spanish elegance to your wardrobe, inspired by the rich traditions of Spain. At La Candela Flamenco, we’re dedicated to helping you celebrate the beauty and spirit of flamenco, one flamenco dance accessory at a time. Our store is your go-to resource for flamenco accessories for every flamenca in the US!

Ready to discover your perfect manton de Manila?

Visit our selection of Mantones today and experience the magic of authentic Spanish craftsmanship!