A journey through the Flamenco culture in Seville

This district is divided from the city centre by the Guadalquivir River and was initially connected by a bridge built by the Almohads, a Berber religious movement of the Muslim faith that ruled over part of the Maghreb area and Muslim Spain from 1147 to 1269 CE. That bridge is now gone, replaced over time by a pontoon bridge and later by the present Triana Bridge in 1852. The uniqueness of this stunning iron bridge makes it a reference to architecture.

Triana is rich in art, history and charm, and one can discover it by strolling up and down the interwoven streets to immerse in the fantastic Andalusian atmosphere. From the Castle of San Jorge of Visigothic origin, it is possible to explore the colourful little houses on the banks of the Guadalquivir River in Calle Betis and experience the panoramic view from the Triana Bridge to the neighbourhood market, so to dive into the gastronomic side of Triana.

It is common, even today, to stroll through the small streets of the neighbourhood and catch people discussing techniques, opinions, and Flamenco performances. Moreover, some spontaneous improvised performances on wooden “tablao” tables take place in some hidden corner or square.

Walking through the streets of Triana, there is an absolute certainty that you will encounter many places to watch performances of the highest quality. Here is possible to enjoy the “real” Flamenco and experience the genuine emotions of this dance, including the Teatro Flamenco Triana (at C. Pureza, 76) or the Triana Flamenca (C. Condes de Bustillo, 17). The district is also home to several other Tablao, such as Almoraima (at C. Pagés del Corro, 70), Tablao Flamenco Pura Esencia (at C. Betis, 56), and Baraka Flamenco Show (at C. Pureza, 107).

In these cafés cantantes, people flocked in large numbers to listen to and admire the artists’ performances, usually composed of a guitarist (tocaores), one or more “cantaores”, and a varied group of “bailaoras”. It is believed that one of the first café cantantes in Seville was already existing in 1842 in Calle de Lombardo. 

Among the most famous were the Café de Silverio and the Café del Burrero by two of the most incredible supporters and interpreters of this art: Silverio Franconetti and Manuel Ojeda.

Today, as in the past, in any corner of Seville, one can hear and breathe the art of Flamenco dance, from small “tablao” (in the street) to local “Tabla” and “Café Cantantes”.

Before crossing the Triana Bridge and reaching the other part of Seville (the most ancient part), we pause in the Plaza del Altozano to admire the monument that Triana has paid homage to the art of Flamenco. The work represents a dancer holding a guitar in one hand and one foot placed on an anvil.

It was created by the Sevillian sculptor Jesus Gavira in 1993. The statue faces the river intending to bring the art of flamenco to the rest of the world.