The House of Culture hosts an exhibition and a conference dedicated to the figure of Cristóbal Guerrero ‘Barquerito de Fuengirola’

This Thursday, September 4, the ’50 years of the Mining Lamp ‘will take place and the inauguration of the exhibition’ Pa remember it ‘, which will be open to the public until the 12th

9/2025 – The House of Culture will host this Thursday, September 4, an exhibition and a conference dedicated to the figure of Cristóbal Guerrero Escalona ‘Barquerito de Fuengirola’. This was recalled by the Councilor for Fiestas, Isabel Moreno, who has indicated that the conference ’50 years of the mining lamp ‘will begin at 8:30 p.m. with free admission. Previously, at 8:00 p.m., the sample will be inaugurated ‘Pa remember it’, which collects images of the professional career of the renowned Fuengiroleño singer and that can be visited free of charge until September 12, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

“Continuing with the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the achievement of the mining lamp by Cristóbal Guerrero ‘Barquerito’, this Thursday in the exhibition hall of the House of Culture will take place an exhibition that has been titled ‘PA Remember it’ and that collects images of the professional career of this great Fuestiroleño artist, which recently left us and we want to remember it by poster explained Moreno.

In this regard, the mayor has indicated that “later, about half past eight in the afternoon, the conference entitled ’50 years of the mining lamp ‘will begin, which will feature the participation as speakers of Francisco José Paredes Rubio, flamencologist of the Union; and Joaquín Gabriel Zapata García, president of the foundation of the International Festival of Cante de las Mines. In addition, the appointment will feature the participation of Isabel Guerrero Guerrero. Barquerito, and the grandson of the honoree, who also has as an artistic name Barquerito de Fuengirola, with Juan Ramón Caro to the guitar ”.

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Cristóbal Guerrero Escalona, ​​artistically known as Barquerito de Fuengirola, was born on February 17, 1945 in Fuengirola, Malaga. From a family with roots deeply linked to flamenco-related to figures such as Juan Breva by maternal part and the corruco of Algeciras by the paternal-, from a young age he showed a special talent for the singing. Already with five or six years he participated in singing competitions in street circuses, winning his first prize with a popular couplet, which evidenced an early sensitivity and a deep knowledge of Jondo art.

His flamenco formation began in the local environments and soon expanded thanks to his participation in radio programs such as “Félix Sáez’s nephews” on the National Radio of Spain, where he obtained various awards that consolidated him as a young promise of the singing. It was the famous singer Pepe Marchena who sponsored him artistically and gave him the name of “Barquerito de Fuengirola”, a name that would proudly carry the rest of his life. Marchena also introduced him to the Belter record, with which he recorded his first album, opening the doors to a more professional career.

In 1975 he reached the top of his career by winning the prestigious mining lamp at the International Festival of the Cante de las Mines de la Unión, one of the most important competitions of Flamenco. This award made it, not only a nationally recognized figure, but also the first and only artist of Fuengirola in obtaining this distinction. That year, in addition, he won the Second Absolute Prize of the Festival, highlighting in styles such as the Cartageneras, Tarantas and Mining, which consolidated his name among the greats of the Flemish song.

He was an artist loved by great figures such as Juanito Valderrama and Marchena himself, who valued both his talent and his humanity. With a powerful voice and deep feeling, its song stood out for purity the technical domain and direct transmission of emotion. Throughout his career he recorded several albums and left a sound legacy that remains an example of classic and authentic flamenco.

Years later, his daughter Isabel Guerrero -presigious singer today -and his grandson, who has resumed the name of Barquerito de Fuengirola, continue his flamenco lineage with pride, keeping alive the flame of an art that he lived and transmitted with passion. In 2025, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of his mining lamp, the city of Fuengirola organized a tribute sense in recognition of his figure, his career and his unique contribution to the world of flamenco.

Barquerito de Fuengirola is undoubtedly one of the great artistic treasures that the Costa del Sol has given. His life is an example of delivery to art and fidelity to his roots, being remembered with admiration and affection for those who heard him sing and for whom they keep his memory alive.