Carboneria Flamenco Bar in Seville
Seville, the epitome of Spanishness, and the home of some of the best flamenco bars and shows in Spain. Along with its Spanish origins, this music and dance genre has gypsy, Byzantine, Sephardic, and Moorish elements and has become increasingly more popular. Initially, traditional flamenco artists never had any formal training; they learned by listening and watching other flamenco performers, however they are now formally trained and the shows that they put on now are truly spectacular. Seville is a hot bed of Spanish culture and has varied offerings of this passionate and seductive art form born centuries ago in Spanish villages in the region of Andalusia.
This is the reason for which we would like to suggest La Carboneria Flamenco Bar situated on 18, Calle Levíes, Seville in the Santa Cruz district near the Plaza de las Mercedarias. A hidden gem which at times is slightly difficult to find but well worth the effort. This enchanting bar open everyday from 8pm until 3am, is named after an old architect. It was formerly used for coal storage but is now a stunning venue offering free flamenco performances every Friday and Saturday night from 10 pm until well into the early hours of the morning. It is open to everyone who wishes to thoroughly enjoy an exciting and passionate display from the flamenco dancers and singers, and a great meeting place for your friends. La Carboneria‘s reputation precedes it namely for its fantastic and numerous flamenco performances, exhibitions, and book or CD presentations. It is quite a favourite amongst tourists who have never been to Seville before and would like to get a taste of this passionate Spanish dance.
When you arrive, you will enter a bohemian style décor, small, and cosy room with a chimney, wooden tables, and an antique piano at the back. All this makes it a really pleasant space to relax and have a beer. A larger bar area is to be found on the left as you pass through the first room, long rows of wooden tables and a stage for the performances that have given this fabulous flamenco bar its name. Finally, a pretty little terrace outside completes this charming bar, perfect for relaxing during the warm summer evenings and enjoying a large jug of sangria with your friends before the performances begin. Although La Carboneria is the perfect place to visit at any time of the year. A really special and relaxing atmosphere dominates this flamenco bar that is very characteristic of this Spanish capital.
The performances, usually taking place in the back room of La Carboneria where the bar and the rows of tables are located, do vary. There is always a bailaora(flamenco dancer) with musical accompaniment (Spanish guitar) and the cantaores (singers), however sometimes, and if you’re lucky, there will be two dancing together which is really exciting to watch. In addition, when most people have gone home, the performers sometimes move to the smaller front room and stage to carry on dancing, which is quite an experience and well worth staying for.
We would suggest that you make your way there half an hour before to make sure you get a seat. Given that it is slightly difficult to find, look for Plaza Santa Maria la Blanca and the Hotel Fernando VI on the corner of the street leading to Calle Levíes. La Carboneria flamenco bar also sells tapas and drinks at a very reasonable price considering that it is a free venue, so head down to this exciting venue and enjoy the experience.
Truly a unique experience in the Spanish and cultural capital of Spain, Seville.
