Andalucía - Discover Spain: Experience the Best of Spain - page 515

• » Flamenco thrives on spontaneity - excellent performances often break out unan-
nounced at ferias, romerías and other public gatherings.
• » Flamenco feeds off its audience: the presence of more aficionados at a venue en-
hances the mood.
• » Flamenco peñas are private clubs, but they put on some of the best shows in town -
try to worm yourself an invite.
• » The best flamenco shows rarely charge an entry fee. Good music is played for pas-
sion, not profit.
• » Flamenco was originally the music of Roma people. Gravitate towards the old Roma
quarters of Triana (Seville), San Miguel (Jerez), Santa María (Cádiz) and Sacromonte
(Granada) to seek out better venues and performances.
• » Understand that traditional flamenco performances aren't like normal concerts. Play-
ers warm up slowly, tuning their guitars and clearing their throats while the gathered
throng talk among themselves. It is up to the dancers/musicians to grab the audience's at-
tention and gradually suck them in.
• » Regional styles are important and often reflect the personality of the city from which
they originate. Listen out for upbeat alegrías in Cádiz, cheeky bulerías in Jerez, tragic
soleares in Seville, classic fandangos in Huelva, sparse tarantos in Almería and orna-
mental granainas in Granada.

Entertainment

EL LAGÁ TIO PARRILLA
(Plaza del Mercado; show & 2 drinks €25; 10.30pm Mon-Sat) A high quota of
Roma ensures that this place wins most plaudits for its regular flamenco tablaos.

Flamenco Tablao

Information
Municipal tourist office ( www.turismojerez.com ; Alameda Cristina; 9am-3pm & 5-6.30pm
Mon-Fri, 9.30am-2.30pm Sat & Sun) Expert multilingual staff and comprehensive website.
Provincial tourist office (airport;

8.15am-2pm & 5-6.30pm Mon-Fri)

Getting There & Around