Flamenco in Seville
Did you know that a place where you can see a flamenco show is officially called a tablao? And that Seville, southern Spain, is the cradle of flamenco and tablaos? As anyone who has ever experienced a flamenco show in Seville will know, this expressive dance and charming city go together like music and song. In this entry, we look at the best places to see flamenco in Seville.
Places where you can see flamenco in Seville
Tablaos are somewhat controversial. You either appreciate that they are comfortable places with renowned artists that are designed specially for flamenco shows, or consider them tourist traps. We’ve had some great experiences in tablaos in Seville, and these two are generally considered to be some of the best:
LOS GALLOS – Los Gallos is something of a reference point in Seville for being ‘the’ place to go for flamenco. As such, some of the best flamenco artists in the world have passed through its doors. The venue itself has been going for almost 50 years, and shows have been described as bewitching and poignant. Where: Plaza de Santa Cruz 11. When: 8 pm and 10.30 pm. Shows last about two hours and, as always with flamenco shows, you should arrive around 20 minutes in advance. How much: € 30 (children € 15). Includes a drink.
EL ARENAL – Cosy (although not overly cramped) and atmospheric, El Arenal is a venue that’s perfect for enjoying the intensity and fervour of flamenco. A celebration of flamenco song as much as dance, the passion of the music and the dancers will move you. You can also eat here. Where: Calle Rodo 7. When: 8 pm (open from 7 pm for dinner) and 10 pm. How much: € 37 with drink, € 59 with tapas or € 72 with dinner.
Some argue that a bar is the only true place to see flamenco. Although the atmosphere is undoubtedly ‘realistic’, and there’s normally fewer tourists and more improvisation, you have to consider that they may not be as comfortable and the shows might not have as high standards as the expressly-designed tablaos. Here’s our favourite flamenco bar in Seville:
LOLA DE LOS REYES – Lola, the owner of this establishment, is also, along with her guitar-playing husband, one of its star acts. A specialist flamenco bar, this is a classic place which is popular among some of the big names in flamenco. It looks something like a cross between a western saloon and a typical flamenco “café cantante” (“singing café”). Where: Av. De Blas Infante, 6. When: Wednesday to Saturday, from 12 am. How much: entrance free. Drinks are more or less reasonably priced.
CASA DE LA MEMORIA – Although technically neither bar nor tablao, the Cultural Centre Casa de la Memoria is also renowned for its flamenco shows. Some of the top artists play and dance here at much cheaper prices than in the tablaos in Seville, and you’ll find a more intimate audience. Spellbinding. Where: C/ Ximénez de Enciso. When: every day at 9 pm and sometimes also at 7.30 and 10.30 pm. How much: € 15, € 13 for students and residents and € 9 for children aged 6 – 10.
Penelope –Marketing Team
