Sevilla Local Custom Tips by keeweechic Top 5 Page for this destination

Jamon Iberico Tapas and other food Review

Jamon Iberico is a cured ham which is produced in Portugal and Spain. You will find it hanging in restaurants and tapas bars. The ham comes from free-range accord fed pigs and is sliced very thinly. It has been described as ‘the best ham in the world’.

Street Performers

Street performers or Artistas callejeros can be found all around Seville and especially in the old district of Santa Cruz around the gardens.

The Flamenco Frock

Probably seen by the world as the traditional costume of Spain. If you are serious about wearing the dress correctly you must take several things into consideration, like the number and width of flounces, the cut of the sleeve and where the waist line will sit There is also the version of ‘the season’ just like any other fashion which would become outdated the following year.

The Cordoban Hats

The Cordoban Hat or Sevillian hat has become one of the most important representations of the Spanish culture. It comes largely in black but also other colours such as grey and beige and is made of mostly wool, felt or rabbit hair. It is worn not only by men but by the women as well, usually at bull fights, horse riding and of course in flamenco dancing. It is believed that the hat had its beginnings in Cordoba, hence the name, although it is thought that it was used by farm workers. It became more popular during the 19th and early part of the 20th century.

Fans

The flamenco dancers or Bailaoras use the fan to almost have a conversation. There are numerous movements of the hand and fan which relate particular meanings such as drawing across the eyes, means ‘I am sorry’, fanning herself slowly means ‘I am married’ etc.

Seville Shawls

The Seville Shawl or Manila Shawl had its beginnings in the Philippines when Spain colonized the country. Originally belonging to the Chinese with its oriental designs, the silk shawl soon became popular as a protection against the cold and the Spanish redesigned the decorations with brightly coloured flowers and birds. The shawl was brought back to Spain and became a part of the flamenco dancer’s wardrobe. There is a village called Villamanrique de la Condesa who has become well known for the making of these beautiful shawls

Orange Trees

All around Seville you will see orange trees. These are not the usual sweet oranges that you eat but more a bitter or tart orange which is used in the area for making marmalade as well as in alcoholic drinks such as Grand Marnier, Curacao and Triple Sec.