What began in the mid-nineteenth century as a cattle trading fair every spring in Spain’s southern city of Seville is now a week-long celebration with bullfighting, eating, artistry and, above all, flamenco dancing. Most Americans will probably never attend a fair such as this in the Spanish city, considered to be the heart and soul of Flamenco culture. However, Sunday on the grounds of the Music Center at Strathmore, Centro Espanol de Washington D.C. has recreated this grand, 21st annual Feria de Sevilla for all to enjoy free of charge. For an entire afternoon, fairgoers will taste the great foods of Spain, purchase related items in the stalls, listen to the live music, admire the costumes and, most importantly, marvel at the intricate foot and arm moves of the passionate flamenco dancers.
“Everything will be Spanish in flavor … the ambience, the enthusiasm,” said Adelina Callahan, a 25-year volunteer with Centro Espanol. “There will be foods from different regions of Spain. Paella, the rice dish most known in this country is eaten all over Spain and we have several of our tents making paella, in addition to a lot of other Spanish food.”
| If you go |
| XXI Feria de Sevilla |
| Where: Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda |
| When: Noon to 6 p.m. Sunday |
| Info: Free admission; free parking at Metro garage |
Several District restaurants will be participating, as well, including Jaleao, the renowned tapas restaurant of Jose Andres, Taberna del Alabardero and Sangria Caf?.
The spirit of Feria is the dancing and after opening ceremonies, talented flamenco artists will take their turns performing on a large stage built for the occasion. At 2 p.m. “Flamenco Aparicio” will be presented by the Aparicio Dance Company, followed by “Arte Flamenco” with Natalia Monteleone. Later in the afternoon, the stage comes alive with “Ana Martinez & Paco De Malaga. The notable “Furia Flamenca” closes the entertainment portion of the Feria.
Centro Espanol de Washington D.C. was founded in 1986 By Spanish citizens in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area and is dedicated to the preservation and education of the culture and traditions of Spain.
“The Feria is about fun,” Callahan observed. “It is the flavor, the atmosphere and the joy of a Spanish fiesta.”
