Barcelona, a city with an undying rhythm, once again paid tribute to one of its greatest sons—Antonio González, known worldwide as “El Pescaílla.” On the city’s patron feast, La Mercè, September 24, his family gathered at the intersection of Fraternitat and de la Llibertat streets, where a commemorative plaque is located. This place, the birthplace of the founder of Catalan rumba, once again became a focal point for those who appreciate his contribution to music. The artist’s daughters came to honor his memory: the incomparable Lolita Flores and dancer Antonia González Amaya. Standing beside them was Antonia’s son, guitarist Carlos Carmona González, who carries the legacy of two legendary musical dynasties.
Lolita Flores, who just recently filled Barcelona’s Teatro Goya for three weeks with her play “Poncia,” shared warm memories. She emphasized how close she was to her father, calling him “a grandfather with a capital G.” In those days, Carlos Carmona González often accompanied his cousin Antonio Carmona, but today he is carving his own path. Together with Antonio Montoya, he founded the group “Montoya y Carmona,” continuing the proud traditions. His father is Carlos Habichuela, a guitarist, and his uncle was the legendary Juan Habichuela, who passed away in 2016—a virtuoso whose guitar resonated alongside the voices of the greatest flamenco performers, from Rafael Farina to Enrique Morente.
The connection between the Flores and Carmona clans has always been more than family ties—it’s a creative symbiosis that has gifted Spain with numerous musical masterpieces. Their joint performances and recordings have become an integral part of the country’s cultural identity. One of the most touching and iconic moments of their collaboration was the duet between the group Ketama and Antonio Flores. Their song “Vente pa’ Madrid” from the concert album “De akí a Ketama” shot to the top of the charts in 1995, becoming an anthem for an entire generation and a symbol of the unbreakable friendship between the two families.
Antonio Flores’s name recently gained renewed resonance thanks to the documentary “Flores para Antonio” from Movistar+. The project, initiated by his daughter, the talented actress Alba Flores, became a true revelation. With the support of her entire family—from her mother Ana Villa, aunts, friends, and loved ones—Alba managed to create an incredibly personal and profound portrait of her father. Released at the end of last year, the film not only reminded audiences of Antonio’s genius, but also showcased his legacy as vibrant, relevant, and critically important to contemporary Spanish culture.
