Edward was determined to see flamenco of the “grass roots” variety as opposed to a formal show. When he was learning the guitar he would watch video clips of flamenco and try and imitate the style. Mick and I decided it would be wise to leave the selection of venue to him.

We headed out pretty early, as we were excited and this allowed us to sample a few different bars before the bars we were after would be open. One thing we had learnt on the bus trip we had been on was that the suburb for flamenco was Triana which was across the bridge. Triana is a legendary neighbourhood across the Guadalquiver. It is considered the birthplace of flamenco. We decided to walk which was a bit of a challenge in the heat.

This photo was taken in a very small bar that had a huge crowd of wedding goers. The bar was interesting because of all the religious icons displayed behind it, opposite the big head of a bull, of course.

We were fascinated to note that a handful of the guests preferred to spend the time of the nuptial mass in the pub as opposed to going into the church. I got a few shots of some of the wedding party too. So cute!

We decided to make our way to the next bar and spotted yet another bride on her way to the church. I loved the mother’s headdress and the car of course. She waved her fan to Edward, which made a great shot.

Mick was not as interested in the brides as he was in the premium Iberian hams he spotted in the next bar.

So, we decided to stop here for some tapas. At €11 a platos, I thought it was a bit expensive however, Mick thought it was the best thing he’d eaten in Seville. We had read that delicious tapas was to be had on Calle Betis and it turned out to be correct.

By this time, it was approaching 9.00pm so we found La Taberna in Calle Duarte. This was one of the places Edward had suggested and it had improvised singing and dancing. We got there so early we were the first ones there. It was a small bar and the area behind the performers was decorated with religious icons as well.

Paco and Israel performed pretty solidly for three hours. Israel played the percussion with his hands (palmas) and helped Paco sing. There were other singers and dancers who joined in as well.


Even Edward played a few sessions during the evening.

There may have also been a little dancing by Edward and me, but I will not include the evidence of that as we were pretty terrible compared with the locals. Our tapas here was mainly cheese and olives which went down a treat with the beers and rioja.

By the time we decided to walk home, after midnight, the crowds were well and truely out. And no wonder, as it was much cooler then. This photo was snapped by a fellow reveller on the Triana Bridge (Puente de Isabel II).

We had a fabulous night and one we wouldn’t have had without Edward’s knowledge and research.