Events, Festivals and More
Festivales, eventos y más |
Día
de Andalucia: Parlamento de Andalucia
Location: across from La Macarena church
Dates: February 28
Once a year you can wander inside this building as the city celebrates the Día
de Andalucia on February 28th. So why do you want to visit? Aside from the political
happenings it's one of the important pieces of Renaissance architecture in Sevilla
with some beautiful patios inside. And it's only once a year that the public
can enter without a previous appointment. I remember back in 1989 the building
was in bad shape - practically abandoned. Fully restored it's worth checking
out!
Carnaval
in Cádiz
Location: Cádiz (an hour or so south
of Sevilla)
Dates: 11 - 21 February
It's known as Mardi Gras in New Orleans and marks 40 days before Lent.
Western Andalucia has taken more of a liking to Carnaval than the rest of the
province. And of all the celebrations in Andalucia the one in Cádiz is
the largest and most famous. 10 days of festivities are planned and in general
a lot of drinking, dressing-up and nightlife happens in the street. Part of
the festivities in Cádiz include parodies of just about anyone famous
- politicians and celebrities are some of the favorites. Choir/musical groups
between five and forty-five in number dress up and play songs, satirizing personalities
and current events. A big competition takes place in Cádiz's Gran Teatro
Falla, where the groups perform in hopes of winning. And did I mention the drinking,
parades, costumes and all night action in the street?
Carnaval
in Isla Cristina
Location: Isla Cristina (province of Huelva)
Dates: 11 - 21 February
If you don't make it to Cadiz and want something a little smaller then
head to Isla Cristina. Many small towns in Western Andalucia celebrate Carnaval
but Isla Cristina is perhaps the most well known of the pueblo carnavales.
The town is a small, but important fishing port located where the Guadiana river
meets the Atlantic. Aside from the events there is a nice group of restaurants
and bars to choose from along the water. Many days of festivities are in store
for the town beginning a few days before 11 February.
Semana Santa in Seville
Location: Seville
Dates: 28 March - 4 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.
Art, Exhibits in Seville
Exposiciones |
 Casa de Alba Collection
Location: Museo de Bellas Artes
Dates: 16 October - 10 January
Web: Museum Page
The Casa de Alba, a wealthy Spanish noble family dating back to the 14th century, has one of the most impressive private art collections in all of Spain. Some of these, including one by Goya, will be on display in Seville's Museum of Fine Arts. Six centuries is a long time to collect, weather it's art or names. Consider the current Duchess of Alba's first name is María del Rosario Cayetana Alfonsa Victoria Eugenia Francisca Fitz-James Stuart y de Silva. Whew... thankfully I could copy and paste.
 50 Years of "El Carambolo"
Location: Museo Arqueolóico de Sevilla
Dates: 3 October - 10 January
The exhibit in the Archeological Museum of Seville focuses on the development of the interpretations and history surrounding the discovery of this treasure (El Carambolo), as it relates to the civilization of Tartessos. The discovery was made about 50 years ago in the hills outside of Seville, and represents proof of the oldest civilization known to this region (dating between 8th and 3rd centuries B.C. The highlight of the exhibit is the display of the original / actual treasure. Previously only replicas were on display in the museum.
Photography & Architecture
in Seville
Fotografía y Arquitectura |
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).
Sports in Seville
Deportes |
 Superbowl XLIV
Location: Several bars in Seville
Dates: 7 February
Web: Exploreseville Superbowl Page
Time for the big game so that likely means heading to a
bar somewhere. Or if you have Digital Plus you can check
out the game live with some poor commentary in Spanish. The best spot to catch the game is the Texas Lone Star Saloon, although reservations are often required. Check out the Superbowl page for more possibilities.
 XXIV
City of Seville Marathon
Location: Estadio Olimpico
Dates: 14 February
web: www.imd.sevilla.org
Now in it's 26th year, the Seville City Marathon begins and ends in the Olympic
Stadium, just outside the city center. Show up to see them start around 9 in
the morning, or finish some 3 - 5 hours later. Many streets will be blocked
so you can likely find a spot around the city to see the action. Good thing it is on a Sunday to keep the traffic problems to a minimum. Many feel this is a good race to begin the season - the flat course and mild February temperatures help!
Cycling: Vuelta a Andalucia
 Location: Provinces of Cordoba, Malaga, Jaen, Sevilla...
Dates: 21-25 February
web: www.vueltaandalucia.com
Covering over 780km through Andalucia, the Vuelta de Andalucia makes stops in 5 Andalusian provinces and several cities and towns, including Cordoba, Jaen, Antequera, Alora, Benahavis, La Zubia, Otura and Torrox. Teams from Spain, Holland, Switzerland, Belgium and Russia will compete, featuring many well-known cyclists. The route’s closest point to city Sevilla is the nearby town of Ecija, or just 50 minutes away on the AVE to Cordoba.
 Liga Profesional de Fútbol
Location: Seville
Dates: Aug 2009 - May 2010
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 first division teams in Seville means there is a match
almost every weekend. Schedules coming soon!
Music &
Theatre in Seville
Conciertos y Actuaciones |
 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. 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.
Art Galleries in Seville
Galerias de arte |
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
Where to catch live
music in Seville
Dónde puedes ver música
en directo |
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.
|
