What is the best flamenco show in Seville? The city has some amazing venues where you can witness a remarkable flamenco performance.
The shows are held throughout the city in numerous tablaos, theaters, bars, and even museums…
So after fielding the question a million times “I’m here for two days – where can I see some decent flamenco?“, here’s my personal recommendation to where you can see flamenco without paying through the nose for a ‘just for tourist’ performance.
What is the best flamenco show in Seville?
OK, let’s get to it.
What is my favorite flamenco show in Seville?
I have no doubt about it: Casa de la Memoria has been at the top of my list for years.
There, you can see a traditional flamenco show that incorporates a balance of guitar, singing, and dancing, performed in a small and intimate environment. You can get your tickets online, and I always recommend booking in advance, as it fills up quickly (the place is tiny!).
Casa de la Memoria is a cultural center dedicated to preserving the Andalusian arts. Your ticket into the show also allows you access to the museum for free. There, you can learn more about the fascinating origins of flamenco for a more complete cultural experience.
What I love about Casa de la Memoria is that it provides an incredible insight into flamenco, effortlessly combining singing, dancing, and guitar in one single performance. It’s one of the most authentic flamenco shows in Seville. The show is possible thanks to talented students from local schools.
Casa de la Memoria has a nightly show every day of the year at 19:30. On special days, it has two nightly shows (at 18:00 and 21:00) held in a small, intimate venue. They take place in the patio of a the old stables that were part of the beautiful 16th century Palacio de la Condesa de Lebrija that you can visit next door.
Since you will seat in a small and cozy theater, you are going to be up close and personal with the performers.
Again, the intimate surroundings mean that seating is limited, so reserving tickets in advance is highly recommended.
Book your flamenco show at Casa de la Memoria in Seville »
Why is this the best flamenco show in Seville?
Attending a flamenco show is something that you must experience. It’s the best way to feel closely the passion and the strength of this amazing art. The cante, the guitar music, the deep singing, the zapateao, the palmas and the beautiful dance create a magical atmosphere that you shouldn’t miss.
Visitors unfamiliar with flamenco may equate the low price for Casa de la Memoria with seeing a mediocre “flamenco for tourists” show with second rate artists. Nothing could be further from the truth. The artists who perform here are some of the best people who tour internationally and have won top prizes in Spain.
Without a doubt, the flamenco quality the Casa de la Memoria offers is a fantastic experience. The performers are extremely talented and intense. And you’ll see that their passion, precision and timing are breathtaking.
The one-hour time frame will fly by in a jiffy!
So go ahead, get your tickets at Casa de la Memoria and enjoy!
How good is the visibility at Casa de la Memoria?
As in any other music show, when attending a flamenco show you want your seat to be as close as possible to the performers. Here the idea is to see the expressions on their faces, which is something truly amazing. You’ll be drawn into the experience from the first moment to the last.
The venue is a small room with just 2 rows of seats around the stage and a few a more on a balcony above the stage. All seats are on a first come first serve basis.
Make sure you’re able to secure seats at the center of the stage. You’ll find that the dancers tend to perform at center stage and avoid the far left and right most of the time.
Therefore, don’t be late if you don’t wanna sit at the side or upstairs, where the studio lighting is pretty low down.
If you don’t manage to sit at the center of the stage, don’t worry – it’s such a small room you still get a decent view.
Book your flamenco show at Casa de la Memoria in Seville »
Why isn’t it a touristy flamenco show?
There are many signs that help you recognize a touristy flamenco show:
- Performers are mediocre, either because they’re newbies or because they’ll never get to high standard.
- The most folkloric, and obviously less authentic, elements of flamenco are highlighted. You’ll notice too much color in the clothing, when the truth is that is should be the opposite, or over-the-top drama in the gestures (the should be strong, compelling but sober).
- There is an overall lack of attention to detail in terms of service, seating and visibility, sound quality, lighting, etc.
In other words, it’s a flamenco show that’s excessively theatrical and exaggerated. It only exists for commercial purposes, and the owners are focused on captivating tourists (their money and attention) to give them what they believe flamenco is rather than what it actually is.
And that’s exactly the opposite of what you’ll experience at Casa de la Memoria.
In addition to this, there is no bar service so you won’t be distracted by food or drinks, and you’ll really appreciate the artists’ performance to the full.
Go to see a real flamenco show at Casa de la Memoria!
This article is part of a complete tutorial about flamenco in Seville where you can read all the information you need to enjoy this typical Andalusian folklore.
Here is a complete summary of all the guide:
1. What is flamenco?
2. Where to see flamenco in Seville?
3. The best flamenco show in Seville
4. Flamenco tablaos in Seville
5. Small flamenco venues in Seville
6. Flamenco bars in Seville
7. 6 tips to enjoy flamenco dancing in Seville
8. Where to take flamenco classes in Seville
9. Flamenco history and origins
10. Understanding flamenco singing (cante)
11. Understanding flamenco dance (baile)
12. Understanding flamenco guitar (toque)
13. The different flamenco styles
14. A flamenco glossary