In 2004, Martha Gonzalez and Quetzal Flores organized the first fandango workshop and in the following years, continued to perform and give workshops in the city. In 2008, Quetzal and Martha relocated to Seattle and connected with the few fandangueras/os in the city. Through small informal gatherings, this group shared their experience and knowledge of the fandango tradition and explored ideas to get more people involved. With a supportive community of artists, activist, and educators, the Seattle Fandango Project (SFP) coalesced in the summer of 2009 with the purpose of building a fandango community in Seattle and connect it to the larger movement in other parts of the United States and in Mexico.
The Fandango traditions of Veracruz, Mexico, use music, singing, and dancing to generate a spirit of convivencia—of living and being in community. For a decade, musicians in Veracruz and in California have built a movement of convivencia through Fandango Sin Fronteras (Fandango Without Borders). The Seattle Fandango Project brings this movement to Seattle through workshops, concerts, and public discussions with guest artists. Come experience, and learn!