The best places to watch flamenco in Seville and beyond

Flamenco is an integral part of Spanish culture and has been a source of pride and passion for centuries. The dance form, which combines intricate footwork, rhythmic hand-clapping, and emotive singing, has become a symbol of the country's identity and a popular tourist attraction. From the bustling streets of Seville to the intimate venues of Madrid, there are numerous places across Spain to experience the soul-stirring art of flamenco.

In this article, we'll explore some of the best places to watch flamenco in Spanish and here in London, so you can delve into the rich history and cultural significance of this revered dance form.

The birthplace of flamenco, Sevilla is known for its various flamenco events and performances and has a bright flamenco culture. The Flamenco Biennial combines flamenco competitions, dance and song in a month-long celebration. This flamenco festival takes place during September and has been held every two years since 1980, with the next Biennial taking place in 2024. Performers are selected by an artistic board made up of prominent individuals involved in the art of flamenco, to ensure a balance between traditional flamenco dance and new performance styles. They perform in a mix of venues, from bars to theatres. Experiencing flamenco in Seville is a flamenco lovers' dream. This is an experience not to be missed.

Tablao El Palacio Andaluz in Seville hosts two types of flamenco shows daily, from 50 to 90 minutes. You can reserve your tickets online ahead of time where prices range from about 20 to 70 euros. This location provides the audience with a very intimate flamenco experience, where you're face-to-face with some of the best flamenco artists of the moment. This is a great way to experience the passion and grandeur up close. You can also enjoy the show with wine and Andalusian tapas, fully immersing you in the culture of this dynamic Spanish city.

Taberna Flamenca La Cava is located in the centre of the city of Cádiz, Spain. La Cava’s traditional tavern decor lend it a unique charm and a cosy atmosphere that allow for a more intimate flamenco watching experience. There, you can experience Cádiz's traditional cuisine, which includes Tortillitas de camarones (prawn fritters) and Huevas aliñadas (seasoned fish roe). Taberna Flamenca La Cava hosts shows on Tuesdays,Thursdays and Saturdays in which you can get to understand the passion and influences behind flamenco. This is sure to be an unforgettable encounter with flamenco!

Theatre Flamenco City Hall in Barcelona has received a Travellers' Choice award for four consecutive years and is one of the best places in Spain to watch flamenco. Performances are child friendly and incorporate tradition, modernity and passion in an hour-long show. Grab tickets with drinks included to enjoy a taste of Barcelona while you watch. If you plan to spend a while in Barcelona, Theatre Flamenco City Hall also hosts flamenco masterclasses, so you can get stuck in and learn some basic steps.

A great place to watch flamenco in Madrid is at the Suma Flamenca festival. A month-long celebration, the 2023 Suma Flamenca festival is scheduled to take place in the autumn. From 18 October to 5 November, visitors will be able to celebrate flamenco culture with the top names in cante, dance and guitar, with close to 200 performers at Teatros del Canal and various venues throughout the Madrid. To prelude the festival, the Suma Flamenca Joven 2023 will be held in September, to showcase guitar concert players, flamenco singers and dancers under the age of 30.

If you're in Madrid but not able to attend the festival in the autumn, there are many other places to watch live flamenco. Among them is Cardamomo Tablao Flamenco in Madrid, which offers performances everyday. Here you can find a mix of new talent as well as established artists. Pair your performance with dinner and drinks and add it to your itinerary of sightseeing in the Spanish capital.

London has a vibrant flamenco scene and is also home to the Sadler's Wells Flamenco Festival, which will be held from 5 to 15 July 2023. This summer, you can embrace the sounds and soul of flamenco that brings together the best talent from the world of flamenco in a fiesta right in the heart of London. The festival will features stars such as Sara Baras, Manuel Liñán, El Yiyo, Alfonso Losa and Carrete de Málaga. Sadler’s Wells offers a workshop to those wanting to learn more about flamenco technique and choreography.

Last but certainly not least, it's us! If you're looking for a place to watch regular live flamenco performances in London, look no further. Battersea Spanish hosts exclusive flamenco events every month. It's a great place to experience flamenco, whether you're coming to watch a show or take one of our flamenco classes in London. Battersea Spanish is a Latin and Spanish cultural hub in south London that hosts flamenco dancers from all over the world, including performers from Seville, Madrid and Latin America. Our exciting performances incorporate aspects of many different disciplines including jazz, Arabian music, ballet and Celtic music. These dynamic performances have something to appeal to all flamenco lovers. We hope to see you at Battersea Spanish soon!