Córdoba Feria 2012

[youtube=”http://youtu.be/PATKgtofgxs”]

[watch full screen if possible]

Some pics from my first visit to the Feria de Córdoba. Another fair, like the one in Jerez, that is totally different to the Feria de Sevilla and which, in my opinion, is much better. The casetas are larger (with air con) and are open to the public. Depending on what you fancy you can opt for traditional flamenco music (sevillanas), flamenco rock, salsa, disco… the casetas ranged from fairly rough & ready tents to solid structures decorated like country homes with servers dressed in maid’s outfits. You can get some great looking food, watch the crowds or join in, or stroll the streets and enjoy the parade of horses and carriages in the afternoon.

It really felt like being at a country fair – I even went on the ferris wheel! Too bad we were just there for a couple of hours in the afternoon. I found myself wishing that I could stay to see the fairground lit up at night but duty called and we had tickets booked on the 19.30 train (which we almost missed, arriving at the station with about two minutes to spare).

Note: at 2.44 is the horse of the day – a gorgeous beast, my photo doesn’t do him justice.

Travel tip: the Sevilla – Córdoba Avant (19.10€ one way)  is much better value than the Ave (33.20€) and takes the same amount of time (45 minutes). And if you return on the same day you get a 20% discount.

Bienal de Flamenco 2012

The Bienal de Flamenco has (finally!) announced their 2012 programme.

The Bienal de Flamenco de Sevilla has been going strong since 1980. It is an internationally renowned music festival that features the some of the finest flamenco performers in the world and takes place in all types of venues throughout town, from small local peñas to the magnificent Maestranza Theatre. The theme of the 2012 edition will be “De Cuerpo y Alma” (From Body and Soul). Tickets go on sale (on line) June 1st.

It’s been a long while since I’ve attended this fabulous event. Last time was eight years ago (!!) when I saw the incomparable Paco de Lucía. Think it’s time to go again…

Bienal de Flamenco 2012
3rd – 30th September

Bienal de Flamenco Website
Bienal 2012 Programme