Semana Santa Estepa

Seville enchants

The Marinaleda Flamenco Festival is characterized by its unusual format, only four artists, and by its open support for authentic flamenco without any frills. It is organised by the Town Council.

This monument is located in the Parque del Príncipe. 

Pepe Marchena (real name, José Tejada Martín) - (Marchena (Seville) 7 November 1903 - Seville 1976) was a Spanish flamenco singer who was commonly known as Niño de Marchena. He was one of the great singers of the Flamenco Opera period in the fandango, taranta and malagueña genres.

This Cultural Week is organised by the Peña Flamenca de Marchena, with activities focused on the world of flamenco. Each year, the Cultural Week is dedicated to a specific flamenco-related topic and/or singer.

The Marchena Guitar Festival first took place in July 1967. Currently, the Guitar Festival is held in Cardinal Spinola Square, and guitar enthusiasts from across Andalusia flock to the event. Marchena is one of many towns that, over the last 70 years, has encouraged the emergence of new “cante jondo” talent throughout Seville.

The Peña Flamenca de Marchena organises every year the “Cantes de Ida Vuelta con premio especial por colombianas” National Contest in memory of Pepe Marchena. The event is held with the support of different local institutions.

The contestants perform different flamenco “palos” (types of songs), with particular emphasis on “colombianas” which receive a special award. 

This contest takes place in Marchena in the early spring. Saetas have a long history and tradition in this town. 

In spring, flamenco music is delivered through the saeta. The saeta is an “a capella” form of singing performed by amateur and professional flamenco singers.

It is undoubtedly the most picturesque building in the old town. It was built in 1905 by the flamenco singer “Lola, la de Lucena”, and later purchased by the Benjumea family. It was later occupied by a congregation of nuns and is now privately owned.