Palos are flamenco styles, classified by criteria such as rhythmic pattern, mode, chord progression, stanzaic form and geographic origin. There are over 50 different palos although some are rarely performed. Some are sung unaccompanied while others usually have guitar or other accompaniment. Some forms are danced while others are not. Some are reserved for men and others for women while some may be performed by either, though these traditional distinctions are breaking down: the Farruca, for example, once a male dance, is now commonly performed by women too.
Palos traditionally fall into three classes: the most serious are known as cante jondo (or cante grande) while lighter, frivolous forms are called cante chico - this also depends on whether or not the palo is considered to be of gypsy origin. Forms that do not fit either category are classed as cante intermedio.
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