Seville Flamenco Shows

If there is a Spanish region known for its flamenco tradition, it is Andalusia. It is not surprising, therefore, that in its capital there are many opportunities to attend a flamenco show.

Flamenco is present everywhere in Seville (it is not unusual to hear hand-clapping at sunset when crossing the Triana Bridge), but it is in its venues and tablaos that it manifests itself in all its splendour. I'll tell you about the best ones:

To attend a flamenco show at the Casa de la Memoria is to witness an authentic show in a 15th century palace in the historic centre of Seville that has been hosting different flamenco professionals for years. You will find an intimate atmosphere with seats arranged around a tablao in which two dancers, a singer and a guitarist will perform. No microphones or sound effects to make the show even more authentic.

Useful information about this show

The duration of this flamenco show at the Casa de la Memoria is approximately one hour and the ticket price is 20. The shows are held every day of the week and you can choose between an afternoon show or an evening show. The venue is located on Calle Cuna, one of the most authentic and well-known streets in the capital.

About the Casa de la Memoria

There are few places where you will find more tradition than here, as the Casa de la Memoria is also a cultural centre that since 1998 has been working to promote the folkloric tradition in Andalusia. The artists who take to the stage here may change from time to time, but they are all of recognised quality and artistic trajectory.

The Triana neighbourhood is one of the most traditional and traditional quarters of Seville and this is where the venue for this flamenco show is located. On the banks of the Guadalquivir you will enjoy a show that will take your breath away for about an hour.

I recommend booking well in advance as tickets can sell out despite the fact that there are shows every day.

Important tip: be wary of street ticket sales, especially if the prices of the shows are high or strangely cheap.

Few companies can offer a greater reference than the Ballet de Cristina Hoyos, responsible for this flamenco show at the Museo del Baile in Seville. Three dancers, two singers and a guitarist take to the stage to review the different rhythms of this art form in a theatrical context.

Useful information about this show

The show lasts approximately one hour. Optionally, you can add to your experience a visit to the Museo del Baile (Museum of Dance) to complete your understanding of this artistic tradition. The building that houses both the show and the museum dates from the 18th century; the show, in particular, is held in a beautiful courtyard.

This option is the VIP experience par excellence to not only enjoy Andalusian flamenco, but also to discover its essence and the mark that this art has left on the city of Seville. For a price of 78 you can enjoy a 3-hour themed guided tour of Seville with a flamenco show afterwards.

The guided tour includes the Guitar Museum of Seville and although you will visit some of the most emblematic places of the capital, the guide's speech will be focused on the tradition of flamenco art in this city.

At the end of the walking tour, your guide will take you to a flamenco tablao where you'll enjoy a quality show with a complimentary wine. You can also add a selection of tapas and drinks to your ticket.

Ana's Traveller Tip

Many flamenco shows do not allow very young children. If you are travelling with children, find out beforehand whether or not they are allowed.

Be interested in tradition

Just as a visit to the Alcázar in Seville is best enjoyed by being aware of the significance of what you are seeing and knowing its historical context, the same goes for a flamenco show. It is not necessary to read entire books about this art form, but if you can inform yourself before attending about how it arose and how it evolved, I am sure you will enjoy the show much more. This is something they do to perfection on guided walking tours of Seville, especially if they are themed.

Go with an open mind

Although it is a hackneyed phrase, normally you either love flamenco or you can't stand it. This discipline, both in song and dance, is unlike any other and if you haven't seen a show before, you may well be surprised the first time around. In any case, respect should always come first; especially if the show includes dinner, the artists deserve to be the main attraction of the evening and not a mere accompaniment.

Let yourself be advised

If you are lucky enough to know someone in Seville who likes flamenco and recommends a show, don't hesitate. In this case you should not be afraid that the place is less well known; if you have good references from an aficionado, you may be pleasantly surprised because in Seville the art is not only in the renowned "tablaos".

Distinguish between flamenco and "flamenquito"

Art is not exempt from controversy and even less so flamenco art. Colloquially, "flamenquito" means a more commercial style of music which, although it comes from flamenco, has little to do with what you will find in the tablaos of Seville. Examples of "flamenquito" singers include El Barrio, Miguel Poveda and Rosalía.

Of course, they also have their merit and in many bars in the city you will find singers of this style; you just have to know how to distinguish them from other types of shows.

Take a stroll through Triana

Seville's Triana neighbourhood is known as the birthplace of flamenco and you'll see that there is a special sense of pride among the locals (you'll see T-shirts with the phrase "República Independiente de Triana" on them in more than a few shops in the city centre). Lose yourself in its nooks and crannies and let yourself be surprised because it is very common to find a group of people gathered around a guitar in the middle of the street.

Don't worry about your clothes

You don't need any special attire to attend this type of venue. In Seville you will find people of all styles and you won't feel out of place if you go with the same attire you wore during the morning.

Ana's Traveller Tip

Keep quiet during the show, even if it is held in a tavern, respect for the artists is fundamental.

The interest in attending a flamenco show implies an interest in getting to know the culture and traditions of the Andalusian capital. Another experience that will give you the same will be a guided walking tour of Seville. You have different options and you can have a look at all of them in this article on Seville Tours.

In all these tours you are accompanied by an expert local guide who not only tells you about the history and anecdotes of the city, but also about its customs and secrets. And I assure you that Seville has many secrets that will make you fall in love with this city even more. Few experiences will teach you more about the place you are visiting than this kind of tour.