Major Flamenco Festivals in the province of Seville
Flamenco is an art form that has existed for several centuries, and the province of Seville is a magnificent venue where it can express itself in the major festivals that are held here every summer. Maestros, amateurs, tourists and the curious gather in the open air to enjoy events that have now become a tradition with more than fifty years of history, experience and people looking to enjoy themselves. "Cante", guitar, dance and "palmeo" are an essential feature of performances which are ultimately an unparalleled experience, with gastronomy and art at the forefront.
Of all the events, the "Potaje Gitano" in Utrera can boast of being the first Flamenco event in the world. It dates back to 1957, when a spontaneous concert was held here on the occasion of a community meal organised by the Hermandad de los Gitanos brotherhood. Since then, the event has established itself as one of the most important of its kind, bringing together the most outstanding artists on the current scene every year.
Then there is the Antonio Mairena Flamenco Festival of Cante Jondo,another great event that deserves special mention. It has been held from August to September since 1962, and involves four days of performances when Mairena del Alcor becomes a meeting point for renowned "cante jondo" performers and young artists aspiring to succeed in this renowned contest.
Moron de la Frontera, a town with a great Flamenco tradition and the birthplace of extraordinary guitarists, is the venue for the Gazpacho Andaluz in July. It started in 1963 with the aim of organising a pure Flamenco "cante" event with the festival in Utrera as a benchmark. The unusual name derives from the earthenware bowl for gazpacho that those attending received when they paid for admission.
The last stop on the tour is Lebrija. Midway between Seville, Cádiz and Jerez, the town has been hosting the famous "Caracolá" since 1966. The name that derives from "chestnuts", the main ingredient for one of the town's most traditional dishes. It was created by a group of fans and in honour of the legendary 'Juaniqui'. Some of the most renowned names in Flamenco have performed at this festival since the first edition.
