Flamenco in Seville

Contrary to other traditional singing and dancing, flamenco is found to be deeply rooted in Sevillian custom, especially the most popular kinds like "Sevillanas" or "Rumbas".

They are not simply a cultural manifestation, Sevillian people live them intensely. It wouldn't be surprising to that a find a ten-year-old girl from Seville is able to dance Sevillanas, and often you can find people dancing it in bars and discotheques.

Places that specialize in flamenco are called "tablaos", alluding to the wooden panels on the floor. There are many flamenco tablaos with a great influx of visitors, mostly foreigners who come to Seville in big groups. These performances are worth seeing because of their professionalism, but it is true that apart from being quite expensive, they often lack passion. If you are more attracted to the passion that the Spanish are known for, you will find it in improvised and lively flamenco bars such as these:

· Casa de la Memoria
c/ Ximénez de Enciso, 28) 10-12 €, two shows a night. Traditional flamenco, with a shop specialized in flamenco, permanent exhibitions, guided tours with little stories (Spanish and English), group and school activities, a library and document center.

· Asociación Antigua de Seville
(Arenal- c/Castellar, 50) 3€ aprox. This new space in the city offers a diversity of artists and alternative musicians. A very recommendable and complete program.

· Lo Nuestro
(c/ Betis,31) Free entry. A bar with a lot of ambience where you can have a good time and a drink. Live music almost all night, predominantly Sevillanas, rumbas and bulerias. Very popular within Sevillians.

· Casa Anselma
(c/ Pagés del Corro,49) Free entry. A peculiar place. The owner, Anselma, is a devotee of the "Rocio" (a traditional semi-religious holiday celebrated every year in Spring) and turns the lights out every night at 12 to sing the "Salve Rociera". Before and after this moment people party. You can dance to the sound of guitars while having a nice wine or beer with something to eat.

· La Carbonería
(c/Levíes,38) Free entrance. An old coal store transformed into a bar, with an interior terrace surrounded by plants. A very interesting place to meet up, with live flamenco shows, Andalusian music, poets, blues and ethnic music. It is a classic for a Sevillian night out and a magnificent meeting place for students studying Spanish and people from Seville.