Chico and the Gypsies

In March 2026, La Table des Amis de Provence offered “Chico and the Gypsies” to members and friends.

History of the Gipsy Kings and Chico and the Gypsies The Gipsy Kings are a French musical group that originated in the south of France (Arles) during the late 1970s. Composed mainly of two families, the Reyes and the Baliardos, the band members are descendants of Spanish Romani (Gitanos) who fled Catalonia during the Spanish Civil War. Their unique blend of traditional flamenco, pop, and Latin rhythms helped popularize the genre known as "rumba flamenca" worldwide. The group gained international fame in the late 1980s with hits like "Bamboléo," "Djobi Djoba," and "Volare." Their music, characterized by energetic guitar work, passionate vocals, and lively rhythms, made them a global sensation and established them as one of the most recognized acts in world music. Chico and the Gypsies: The Spin-Off Chico and the Gypsies is a band formed by Jahloul "Chico" Bouchikhi, one of the original members and co -founders of the After leaving the Gipsy Kings in the early 1990s due to internal disputes, Chico established his own group, maintaining the vibrant, festive spirit and musical style associated with his former band. Chico and the Gypsies continue to perform internationally, blending flamenco, pop, and Latin influences with a focus on lively stage performances and audience interaction. They have released several albums and remain popular among fans of Gipsy Kings’ music, carrying forward the legacy of rumba flamenca with their own unique flair. The band has established themselves year-round at Gypsy Village on the banks of the Rhöne river in Arles where they stage indoor dinner/concerts in winter months and have outdoor dining with live music in the summer as well as roulottes gitanes for glamping.

Historical account reconstructed from La Table’s archived event materials.