Flamenco and Sherry in the Heart of Jerez
In the heart of Jerez de la Frontera, a city renowned for its sherry wine and deep-rooted flamenco traditions, Tabanco El Pasaje stands as a living testament to Andalusia’s cultural heritage. Tucked away in the old town, this historic tabanco is more than just a place to enjoy a drink — it’s an experience where sherry, music, and history come together in an atmosphere that feels both timeless and authentic.
A Historic Tabanco with Character
Jerez is home to many tabancos, traditional sherry bars that date back to the 17th and 18th centuries, originally serving as informal wine shops where locals would gather. Among them, Tabanco El Pasaje, established in 1925, is one of the most iconic. With its rustic wooden barrels, tiled floors, and timeworn walls, the venue has retained much of its old-world charm, offering visitors a chance to step back into a different era.
Unlike modern wine bars, tabancos serve sherry straight from the cask, poured into small glasses known as copas. Whether it’s a dry Fino, a rich Oloroso, or a sweet Pedro Ximénez, the selection at El Pasaje showcases some of the finest local sherries, each with its own story and depth of flavour.
Flamenco in Its Purest Form
While the sherry is reason enough to visit, the real magic of Tabanco El Pasaje happens when the flamenco begins. Unlike the large-scale performances staged for tourists, the shows here are intimate and raw, taking place just a few feet away from the audience. Singers, guitarists, and dancers perform with an intensity that reflects the true spirit of flamenco, where emotion and spontaneity are at the core of every performance.
Live flamenco sessions take place daily, often with different performers, making each visit a unique experience. The compact space enhances the atmosphere, creating a sense of connection between the artists and the audience that is hard to find elsewhere.
An Essential Stop in Jerez
For those visiting Jerez, Tabanco El Pasaje offers an experience that captures the essence of the city. It’s a place where locals and visitors mingle, where the traditions of sherry and flamenco are celebrated without pretension, and where every performance and every glass of wine tells a story.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned flamenco enthusiast, spending an evening at Tabanco El Pasaje is an opportunity to witness authentic Andalusian culture in a way that few places can offer.