Seville’s April Fair is much more than a burst of colour and joy; it is a sensory experience that envelops all the senses from the moment you cross the illuminated gateway of the Real. The air is filled with an unmistakable melody: sevillanas. This joyful and contagious rhythm sets the tempo of celebration, inviting locals and visitors alike to dance and enjoy.

This folk dance is one of the most popular in Andalusia and Spain. In Andalusian schools and also outside this region it is taught to dance it as part of one of the most representative festivities. A clear example is the April Fair in Seville.

What is clear is that everyone who is in front of a sevillanas dance recognises them instantly, as they have some peculiarities that make them unmistakable, such as the musical accompaniment, with guitar, castanets or hand clapping and the flamenco dress. Although it is not essential, it gives a certain grace to the dance, giving it more movement. With each turn, the flounces move to the beat, making it clear that their function within the costume is more than decorative.

Sevillanas, with their 3/4 time signature and well-defined structure, are danced in pairs and consist of pasadas, careos and remates, culminating in a final desplante that adds a touch of coquetry and complicity. The dance is a conversation between bodies, a choreography that combines grace and passion, accompanied by hand-clapping, guitars and, on occasion, castanets.

Flamenco, the soul of Andalusia

However, amidst the hustle and bustle of the casetas, the lively chatter, the spontaneous clapping of hands and the clinking of manzanilla glasses, moments of pure flamenco essence emerge. In a less frequented corner, perhaps in a family stand or in an improvised gathering, a guitar begins to play. The deep chords and the cantaor’s moaning remind us that flamenco is the soul of Andalusia.

These instants, although less frequent, provide moments of authenticity that connect with the most deeply rooted tradition, offering a unique emotional and artistic experience.

If you want to immerse yourself in the purest and most vibrant flamenco, a visit to El Palacio Andaluz is a must. Our tablao, located on Isla Cartuja in Seville, offers daily shows at 7pm and 9.30pm, where singing, dancing and guitar playing merge in a passionate representation of the art of flamenco.

With a duration of 1 hour and 30 minutes, the show has been recognised for its visual quality and artistic value, being chosen by Televisión Española for the promotion and diffusion of flamenco at a national and international level. Our proposal includes a journey through the most traditional flamenco ‘palos’ (forms) where there is also room for dancing sevillanas.

So if you are planning to visit the city to enjoy the joy of the April Fair, don’t miss the opportunity to experience the intensity of flamenco at El Palacio Andaluz. An experience that will allow you to connect with the flamenco essence of Seville.