Palmas (music)

Palmas is a handclapping style which plays an essential role in flamenco music.

Palmas can be a substitute for music, such as in the corrillo at the end of a show, and palmistas can assist the musicians by keeping a strong tempo, or the dancer by accentuating the end or beginning of a phrase.

The first three (or two) fingers of one hand are held firm and clapped into the outstretched palm of the other.

[citation needed] Sordas are used during guitar intros, during the singing so as not to drown it out, or during quieter dance phases so as not to distract the dancer.

[citation needed] Contra-tiempo palmas is a way of clapping between the normal beats in a bar.