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Semana Santa
Location: Seville City Center
Dates: 1 - 8 April
Semana Santa is Holy Week and Sevilla’s celebration
is likely the most famous in the world. Whether you are
religious or not there’s something to enjoy and I
guarantee you won't see anything like it anywhere else.
There are more than 55 church brotherhoods, some dating
as far back as the 13th century, which take part
in Semana Santa, carrying over 115 different floats, or pasos, through the streets of Sevilla. Nazarenos accompany the pasos in the march and in some cases
number more than 2,000. You can find more information in the Semana Santa Insider's Guide.
Los Toros - Bullfighting 
Location: Plaza de Toros de La Maestranza
Dates: 8 April - 12 October
web: Exploreseville guide
to Toros en Seville
A bullfight, or corrida de toros, is something enjoyed or loathed by
visitors and Spaniards alike. I won't try to guess your opinion. Think of it what you may, bullfighting is a tradition
in Sevilla and the Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza is perhaps the best venues
in all of Spain to watch the event. The season begins on the last day of Semana
Santa (8 April) and marches full steam through Feria at the end of the month. In May there is something scheduled most weekends and then the schedule slows down with sporadic events up until 12 October.
Feria
de Abril
Location: Fair Grounds (Los Remedios)
Dates: 23 - 29 April
The Feria de Abril is a great time to see what many consider the typical
Andalucia - sherry, Sevillanas, toros, flamenco dresses and horses.
Giving the people who live in the center a break after trampling through their
streets for a solid week, the Feria takes place on the other side of the river
and breathes a little life into Los Remedios. You can learn more about the event
in my guide to the Feria de Abril.
Diego Rivera, Cubista. De la academia a la vanguardia (1907-1921)
Location: Casa de la Provincia
Dates: 7 September - 30 October
The exhibit from the Mexican Museum of Modern Art features about thirty lesser known paintings by Diego Rivera which come from different collections including the National Gallery of Art in Washington and the Bronfman Collection. The works are date to when the Mexican artist spent many years traveling in Europe. While in Spain he studied artists such as Picasso, Goya and Valle Inclán. The location is the Casa de la Provincia, located between the Cathedral and Alcazar.
Plaza Encarnacion, Market and Parasol are open!
Location: Plaza de la Encarnacion
Dates: now
Almost 40 years of waiting ended as the the Encarnacion market was finally finished. It's hard to miss the structure as you wander a few blocks up from La Campana and the central shopping district. What looks like several giant mushrooms (setas in Spanish) are the towers which hold an overlook and some restaurants, as well as providing shade for the market. The restaurants on top have been completed and you shop for food or get a beer at one of the bars in the market below, explore the ruins beneath in the Antiquarium (museum), or take the elevator to the top for a splendid view (for non-residents the cost is 1,20 Euros).
Iglesia Salvador Restored
Location: Plaza del Salvador
Dates: now
The renovations and excavations in Sevilla's
most famous baroque church are finally over, with the exception of a few pieces here and there.
The ruins of a mosque and other very important historical items were uncovered below the church.
But now, after five years of excellent overall restoration work, the church itself has returned. Not only are the altars and important pieces of art restored, but there is much more light to see the details. The church almost feels like a small cathedral, and certainly rivals many of those in nearby cities.
Iglesia del Buen Suceso Restored
Location: Plaza del Buen Suceso
Dates: now
This little baroque church is just a few blocks away from the Plaza Alfalfa and Plaza Cristo de Burgos. With works by Domingo Martinez, impressive red marble columns and similarities to Iglesia Salvador and Iglesia San Luis (two of my favorite churches in Seville), this 18th century church is worth a visit. It is only open in the morning and afternoon during misa (mass).
 Liga Profesional de Fútbol
Location: Seville
Dates: Sep 2011- May 2012
The Spanish first division schedule is brutally long, especially
when there is no World Cup or European Championships to
be played during the summer. This is good news if you are
visiting and want to catch a match. While you should pull
for Betis, I realize some of you may have a weakness (and it is a very sad weakness) and
need to see a match no matter what. The benefit of having
two teams in Seville means there is a match
almost every weekend.
Betis
vs. Villareal
Location: Estadio Benito Villamarin
Dates: 7 April 2012
web: www.realbetisbalompie.es
In a match held on Easter Sunday Villareal comes to Benito Villamarin in some shape or another. This year has not been Villareal's best, spending much time in the lower half of the league table. Meanwhile, Betis will likely be fighting somewhere in the middle. There will likely be a lot at stake in this match which means it should be a good one.
Betis
vs. Osasuna
Location: Estadio Benito Villamarin
Dates: 14-15 April 2012
web: www.realbetisbalompie.es
Osasuna has been enjoying a decent season close to the UEFA section of the table. But they've also had some of the ugliest losses this year and even if against the best teams it's never fun to drop games against Barcelona by 8-0 and then Real Madrid 7-1! and And whenever they come to play Betis I of course have fond memories of our victory in the Copa del Rey in 2005 in Madrid.
 Betis vs. Atletico Madrid
Location: Estadio Benito Villamarin
Dates: 28-29 April 2012
web: www.realbetisbalompie.es
To bclose out the month of April and recover from the Feria hangover, Atletico comes to town with a good group of fans following them. My dislike for the team would be less if it wasn't for the annoying fan who showed up at the bar when we were at the beach a few years ago. After a few shouts of toma as his team scored two goals against Betis I was ready for him to tomar something por su something in order to shut up.
 Sevilla
vs. Betis
Location: Estadio Sanchez Pizjuan
Dates: 2 May
web: www.realbetisbalompie.es
As the season comes to a close one of the biggest matches of the year for both teams arrives. The match should have been at the beginning of the second part of the season but due to a player strike things changed. It's much better to have this game at the end of the year anyway. Be prepared for a heated match between the two rivals and enjoy the atmosphere whether you're in the stadium or a local bar.
 Betis
vs. Barcelona
Location: Estadio Benito Villamarin
Dates: 12-13 May 2012
web: www.realbetisbalompie.es
The last home game for Betis as well as the last game of the season and it's a big one! Barcelona arrives in Seville to take on Betis for a match which will determine the final positions in the league table. Barcelona is of course always a difficult game but Betis generally gives them a good fight. In recent years the two have met in the Copa del Rey and Betis did well even when in second division.
 Los Gallos Tablao Flamenco
Location: Plaza Santa Cruz, 11
Dates: Every night (20:00; 22:30)
Reservations: flamencotickets.com
Los Gallos is one of Seville’s oldest tablaos and perhaps one of the best locations: a renovated historic home in the Plaza de Santa Cruz. The venue is smaller than some of the larger tablaos, and puts to use the rustic and traditional architecture of the original building as a backdrop for traditional flamenco performances. Los Gallos has only one options for tickets: Show + Drink.
Book this show.
 Auditorio Alvarez Quintero
Location: Calle Alvarez Quintero, 48
Dates: Every night (21:00)
Reservations: flamencotickets.com
Auditorio Alvarez Quintero is a recent addition to the Seville flamenco scene. Located in a recently renovated 18th century building, the location is only a few meters away from the Cathedral. The owners who once lived in the same house have converted the space to include an area for flamenco performances as well as an art gallery and workshop. Auditorio Alvarez Quintero has only one ticket option for the show (no drink or meal services) Book this show.
 Museo del Baile Flamenco (Museum of Flamenco Dance)
Location: Calle Manuel Rojas Marcos, 3
Dates: Every night (19:00 weekdays; 19:30 weekends)
Reservations: flamencotickets.com
The Museo del Baile Flamenco (Museum of Flamenco Dance) in Seville was opened a few years ago. This is an impressive venue for some of Seville’s best flamenco in a shorter format. Located in the Santa Cruz quarter, the museum offers shows from Sunday to Thursday, as well as longer weekend shows (Fri - Sat). There are many ticket options, including packages for a visit to the museum and introductory flamenco classes. Book this show.
 Tablao El Arenal
Location: Calle Rodo, 7
Dates: Every night (20:00; 22:00)
Reservations: flamencotickets.com
Tablao El Arenal takes its name from the neighborhood in Seville between the Cathedral and the Guadalquivir river. The central location, just a few blocks away from the Maestranza bullring, features a typical 17th century Andalusian building, renovated to offer full dinner and bar service. The flamenco shows last about an hour and a half. Ticket options include the show with a drink, tapas or complete dinner. Book this show.
 El Palacio Andaluz
Location: María Auxiliadora, 18-B
Dates: Every night (19:00; 21:30)
Reservations: flamencotickets.com
The venue is a completely renovated warehouse in the city of Seville, offering over 500 square meters of space, including a large stage area, a typical Andalusian Bodega and plenty of tables with full bar and restaurant service. The venue is more of a theatre setting with the largest capacity and stage of any of the tablaos in Seville. Ticket options include the show with drink, tapas or complete dinner. Book this show.
 El Patio Sevillano
Location: Paseo Cristobal Colon, 11A
Dates: Every night (19:00; 21:30)
Reservations: flamencotickets.com
What is now El Patio Sevillano began in 1952 when the owners founded "Cortijo el Guajiro", located in the very center of Seville. The owners brought to the stage many talented performers, leading to further success. In its early days El Cortijo featured the young talents of Trini España, Matilde Coral, El Farruco, etc. The venus has moved closer to the river, offering ticket options of show with drink, tapas or full dinner service. Book this show.
 Flamenco Shows in Seville
Location: Various venues
Dates: Every day
web: flamencotickets.com
There are a wide variety of daily flamenco shows in Seville, with locations in different parts of the city center. In the section below you will find a list of regularly programmed shows. They range in size from large theatre style (El Palacio Anadaluz) to smaller tablaos (Tablao El Arenal) where a meal is included. Then there are smaller venues with just a drink, from Los Gallos in Santa Cruz to Auditorio Alvarez Quintero and the Flamenco Museum. You can buy tickets in advance through flamencotickets.com. Or see the listing below for flamenco shows in Seville.
 Peñas de Guardia
Location: Various "Peñas" (Flamenco Clubs)
Dates: September, October, November
web: sevillafederacionflamenca.es
Peñas are cultural associations, and for flamenco these are some of the best places to see young artists in a more local setting. The "Peñas de Guardia" series features different flamenco performances by local artists each week. Ticket prices are around 6 Euros, and most start times are 22:00. Some of the peñas participating in Seville are: El Chozas, Flamenca Cantes Al Aire, Torres Macarena, Niño Ricardo, El Turruñuelo, Cerro del Águila, and Pies Plomos.
Private art galleries are another great way to see some
local artists and of course out of the ordinary works. Some
are more traditional while others offer more "cutting
edge", if you will. The following galleries almost
always have something on display:
Galería Álvarez Quintero
Location: c/Álvarez Quintero 48
Galería Álvaro
Location: Plaza de Doña Elvira
Galería Nuevoarte 
Location: c/San Vicente, 32
Galería Pepe Cobo
Location: c/Cardenal Cisneros, 5
Galería Haurie
Location: c/Guzman el Bueno, 9
Galería San Vicente
Location: c/San Vicente, 31
Galería Isabel Ignacio
Location: c/Velarde, 9
Galería Rafael Ortiz
Location: c/Marmoles, 12
Galería Full Art
Location: c/Madrid, 4, bajo 1
Galería Margarita Albarrán
Location: c/Meson de Caballeros, 2
More places where you can regularly catch a good show are
below but I don't keep up regularly with the schedule of
all of them. In many of the bars there's no cover - just
pay for your drinks! In some of the smaller concert halls
expect anywhere from 6-20€ depending on the show.
More recommendations to come soon as I spend a few late
nights out looking for the music scene:
Bars
El
Cafetal
(Avda Ciudad Jardin, 5)
A little further out and now in their
tenth year of carrying live acts.
El Perro Andaluz
(Santa Catalina - c/Bustos
Tavera, 11)
Rock, blues, flamenco, country-rock, reggae - they do a
little of everything in the recently renovated local. Nice
bar frequented by local actors and artists in the heart
of Santa Catalina.
La
Carboneria
(Santa Cruz - c/Levies)
More flamenco than anything else, but you can find other
acts in both the front and back room. This bar is famous
and frequented by tourists as well as Spaniards. The front
room often houses works by local artists. In the summer
the back patio is a cool place to be. In the winter the
front room with two fireplaces offers a cozy place to warm
up.
Jazz
Corner
(Buhaira - c/ Juan Antonio Cavestany)
Jazz as Lisa Simpson would like - the "saxamaphone".
But it doesn't stop there, so stop by and check out what
they've got going.
La
Buena Estrella
(Alameda - c/Trajano , 51)
More jazz in Alameda with weekly jam sessions.
Cafe
Naima
(Alameda - c/Conde de Barajas, 2)
Another place in the Alameda to listen to jazz, although
I guess not live. While I received reports that there was
some live stuff going on, I received a correction that it's
only the atmosphere, and never a band, you can find in this
bar.
Pub
Taifa
(Centro - Plaza Gavidia)
Live jazz and blues on Friday and Saturday nights.
Azucar
de Cuba
(Centro - Paseo de Colon)
Right before the bridge to Los Remedios it's another great
place to take in some live Cuban music, sip on a daiquiri
and smoke a cuban cigar. Dinner and lunch is also served
- an authentic Cuban dining experience.
Small "Concert" Halls
Sala
Fun Club
(Alameda)
Local, regional and larger acts. Hip-hop to metal, funk
and alternative.
Weekend
(Centro/Torneo - c/Torneo)
As well a good mix of acts - neighbors have complained for
years about the noise, so they put on some loud shows.
Sala
Salvation
Heavy to alternative and a little of everything else.
Casas
Ocupadas
Alternative music - some punk, some rock.
Larger Venues
Estadio
Olimpico
(across the Puente del Alamillo)
Large acts have made their way here, including Mana. A first
rate outdoor venue where they hope to one day host the Olympics,
if the heat ever dies down.
El
Palenque
(La Cartuja)
Closer to the center of Sevilla than the Estadio Olimpico
and an indoor place for off weather nights. El
Palenque hosts international and national acts frequently.
Teatro
Central
(La
Cartuja)
A mix of the arts with mainly theatre and music performances.
Generally plenty of flamenco and other contemporary music
each month.
Teatro
Lope de Vega
(Arenal)
Aside from opera, theatre and the symphony you'll find an
occasional flamenco performance by some of the best artists
in the world. Very convenient to the center.
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