Experiencing Flamenco in Sevilla
Looking for a culturally relevant activity to do in Sevilla that beats the heat? Enjoy some flamenco! Ranging from evening shows to day time spectacles, there are a variety of ways to experience flamenco in the city. Most likely you will end up spending money, either on tips, food and beverage, or the show itself. Some paid shows offer the option for dinner and a show. The quality and price tend to go together, but there is nothing more special than experiencing an element of Sevilla's beating heart in the form of traditional flamenco.
Not mentioned in this guide is Feria del Abril, a week-long flamenco festival that starts 2 weeks after Easter (at the end of Semana Santa). This is an independent event that is primarily designed for locals, although many tourists visit to experience flamenco music, the traditional trajes (flamenco dresses), and Sevillanas (the type of dance most frequently done at Feria). If you are interested in experiencing flamenco in this way, going to a flamenco bar is a fun way to get a taste of it without committing to entire festival.
Free Flamenco
Plaza de España
There typically are performers who will play for tourists in the plaza, back behind the main fountain. There are regularly 2-3 flamenco dancers, along with someone singing and/or playing the guitar. Performers are most commonly here during daytime hours and will ask for tips after (good to have 1 Euro coins on hand). The performers are impassioned and while not the same as a dedicated evening show, there's something distinctly special about being in the Plaza de España while watching a show.
Flamenco Bars
Enjoy dancing alongside locals and savoring the sounds of guitar and at times song in some of the most famous parts of Sevilla. Exchange the cost of a flamenco show for instead getting a meal/drink and a show! The quality of these performances are not going to be the same as a dedicated flamenco studio, but this is a budget-friendly way to experience the best of the art form, especially given the consistency of performances and/or music for dancing.
La Carbonería
One of the most popular spots to watch "free" flamenco shows in the city. While notably touristy, it is popular for a reason. The respect of the art form (please help to keep the tradition of remaining quiet during the performance) makes this a great spot to enjoy flamenco with fair priced food and drink.
It is recommended to get to this flamenco bar early, up to an hour before the show for the best possible seats. Seating is first come, first serve and it fills up quickly! It is an affordable venue, similar to other spots it's expected to order drinks and/or tapas, no minimum amount. It is cash only, so come prepared. The shows are typically 30 minutes long, normally at 8:30p, 9:30p, and 10:30p. Make sure to call ahead or check online to confirm the times of the shows before going!
Triana Neighborhood
There are great flamenco bars scattered around this neighborhood, mostly for participating in dance vs. watching shows. It's a very fun opportunity to see how locals interact with the age-old tradition, be mindful of how you are showing up in this space. Located right along the Guadalquivir River is a bustling street full of eateries that transitions into a vibrant area for after dark socializing: Calle Betis.
Paid Flamenco Shows
Honor artists by paying to watch a traditional flamenco show. It is fun to listen to performers practicing in the afternoon before evening performances. Different studios specialize in different elements of flamenco (guitar, singing, or dance), although many studios will include all of the traditional elements of flamenco. Locals and tourists alike come to these shows.
Hopefully you feel informed, excited, and empowered to book tickets for a flamenco show! Please be respectful of the shows and watch locals. It's common to yell out words of support, but be mindful about clapping during the performance, as the noise can be disruptive to the con pas (rhythmic clapping that is integrated into the music). Watch locals and be culturally mindful, speaking Spanish and trying to minimize your presence until you've learned what the expected behavior is will help you to have a more comfortable experience and a minimally disruptive experience. Many of the paid studios anticipate tourists and may teach you about the styles of music and details of flamenco. It helps to speak Spanish, as many of these spoken interactions are not translated into English (if they are, they tend to be less robust when compared to the Spanish explanation).
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