El Patio Sevillano - El Patio Sevillano

What is now El Patio Sevillano began in 1952 when the owners founded "Cortijo el Guajiro". 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, Manuela Vargas, and Rafael Negro. El Cortijo was often visited by famous toreros as well as artists, politicians and film stars.

In 1956 the location was moved to the heart of the city center in the Plaza del Duque, where it continued to attract the highest level talents in the flamenco world, featuring performers such as Chano Lobato, Cristina Hoyos and Milagros Menjibar. For seventeen years the tablao flourished in the Plaza del Duque, and in 1973 moved to its current location along the river to a new venue constructed specifically for flamenco performances. Today the location is surrounded by the most typical monuments and sights of Sevilla, including the Plaza de Toros and the Triana bridge.

The tablao continues to host many famous flamenco performers, and is known for performances which feature a variety of flamenco styles as well as classical Spanish dance and music. For this, El Patio Sevillano maintains a long list of regular performers, as well as hosting touring artists who travel through Spain on regular circuits.

Our first experience in El Patio Sevillano included a tour by the manager where we met staff, musicians and dancers. We learned much about the local flamenco scene and how artists move up and around on the professional circuit. We also received a lesson in the history of flamenco and its origins in Western Andalucia from Ana, one of the most experienced dancers. Finally, after just leaving El Patio Sevillano we were delighted to see Prince Felipe and Leticia as they were leaving the Plaza de Toros, and managed to snap a few photos.