NEW YORK - The traditional songs and dances of Spain have arrived in the city.

The Flamenco Festival steps off Thursday in Manhattan.

City Center Theater in Midtown and Joe's Pub in the East Village are hosting 10 days of performances.

Festival organizers say flamenco is all about the expression of profound emotion through music and dance.

"To feel something very deep, that is what you find in Flamenco. You find the extreme. From the deepest sorrow, to the explosion of joy and passion. So that is why people connect so directly to the artist," said Miguel Marin, the festival's director.

The festival runs through March 18.

For a complete list of upcoming shows, go online to flamencofestival.org.