DK Travel : Andalucía and Costa del Sol : History & Culture

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Christopher Columbus

The Genoese sea captain (1451–1506) set sail from Huelva Province and, on 12 October 1492, landed on one of the Bahamian islands.
Civil War and Franco

The Spanish Civil War (1936–9) was ignited by a military coup led by General Francisco Franco, who was against Spain’s continuance as a Republic. On 18 July 1936 the war began when they took Cádiz, Seville and Granada. Then followed the grim years (1939–75) of Franco’s repressive dictatorship.
Crafts

The hand-tooled leather of Córdoba, silver and gold filigree jewellery, pottery, silk and embroidered goods, and inlaid creations all owe their existence to the Moors’ 800-year hegemony.
Dalí and Buñuel

This Surrealist pair created the shocking avant garde film Un Chien d’Andalou in 1928.
Dance

Similarities between Middle Eastern and North African dance forms and flamenco are obvious. But using the feet to create rapid and complex staccato rhythms, combined with the expressive arm and hand gestures, clearly resembles traditional kathak dancing from northern India, confirming its true roots.
Discovery of America

That same year the New World was discovered for Spain by Christopher Columbus. The result was a wealth of gold and silver from the new empire.
El Arenal

The least tacky of the flamenco shows aimed at tourists, ahthough without the soul-stirring authenticity of the real thing. If you come for the first show, you can watch the second for free. (see Top 10 Flamenco Venues)
El Arenal, Seville

First-class performances.
El Palenque

Another modern venue, the main focus here is contemporary song and dance acts.
El Patio Sevillano

Another venue that caters to the throngs of tourists who want a rousing flamenco show.