Jerez or Seville?

[dinosaurnothing]

I am planning a surprise, 40th birthday trip for my wife and I and would like some assistance in choosing between Jerez and Seville. The weekend is 19th-21st Sept and both places have festivals (seville= bienal Flemenco, Jerez= Autumn Festival). I know little about either so would be intersted in people's experiences of the places or the festivals. We are not die-hard flemenco fanatics but my wife has always longed to learn so a gentle introduction, with maybe lessons during the day and shows in the evening followed by trips to classic Flemenco bars is the type of thing I am thinking. Any hotel recommendations would also be useful. Any input would be much appreciated

Many thanks
dinosaurnothing

[flan_taster]

think Seville offers more choice and during your weekend there is a performance by Sara baras and her troupe of flamenco performers in the version of Carmen based on the story (nothing to do with Bizet's opera but it helps if you know that !) .
If you decide to see Seville then book the theatre soon - you can do this online. http://www.bienal-flamenco.org/web2008/index.asp

[La Raya]

Both cities are interesting, but for me Sevilla has the most to offer every time, with a wide variety of things to see and do. Some interesting ideas on this site:

http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/places/spain/seville/tips

[country boy]

I have to say, entertainment apart, we prefer Jerez, but both are very nice towns. We stay at the Trypp hotel in Jerez which couldn't be more central and has underground parking which is useful (12€ pn extra).

[karandjon]

Personally, if i had the choice between the 2, i would choose Sevilla, for the same reasons as La Raya.

Whatever you decide, have a great trip!

Karen

[dinosaurnothing]

Thanks for all the help. With the positive comments and the fact there is a direct flight from Milan (where I live) I think Seville is coming out the winner. On the Bienal Festival sight there is a option to book tickets, hotels, extras through a company called 'Viajes Boreal - Official Reservation Centre for Hotels and Sepecial Programmes'. I have asked for a quote and they have suggested they might be able to get Carmen tickets whereas when I tried to buy direct they had sold out. I wondered if anyone knows if this is a commercial travel agent or a not for profit booking system set up by the region to help people (and hotels etc) benefit from the festival?
Thanks again
D

[flan_taster]

That Viajes Boreal looks to me as a commercial travel agent which is presumably working with the Flamenco festival organisers. Am sure that you could find them useful.

[flan_taster]

Just looked at the bi annual web site and read; Faced with massive demand for tickets, the festival has decided to extend the run of three shows. ‘Carmen’ by Sara Baras will also be shown on 21st September at Teatro Maestranza, in addition to the two previous days which are already sold out.

So certainly looks very popular this year which is not surprising.
Don't overlook the fact that these special erformances by stars is the reason for this Flamenco festival but there will be the regualr flamenco shows running alongside, so it's not the end of the world if you cannot book to see the show at the theatre.
For other Flamenco venues would suggest you look at this helpful page:
http://www.andalucia.com/flamenco/tablaos.htm
or take a look at one specific to Seville
http://www.exploreseville.com/flamenco.htm

[Kathy]

Sara is amazing in concert. Ive seen her twice live.

Los Gallos in the Barrio Santa Cruz has a superb flamenco show

There is a very authentic bar in Triana called something like Anselmos?????
also worth a visit. Purist type of place.