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Hello, I’m Frieda Flamingo. The mascot of Van Dam Estates. I have begged to be given the title ambassador instead. I think it sounds much weightier. Unfortunately, the bosses thought that was too much of a good thing. But enough complaining. This time I was asked to flutter to a place where many typically Spanish things play a leading role. I found it in Jerez. After all, it’s hard to get more Spanish than a city where flamenco music, sherry, and Andalusian horses are the main tourist attractions.
Here, landing in this small town about 90 kilometers south of Seville, the first thing that stands out is the aristocratic atmosphere that prevails. Dating from Moorish times, the old houses, wide streets lined with jacaranda trees, and beautiful squares surrounded by palm trees exude a sense of calm. The 11th‑century Moorish fortress and the magnificent cathedral reinforce that feeling even more. But I came here for the Big Three.
Sherry and brandy lovers from Jerez don’t have to go far to visit the many bodegas. In the center there is a choice of numerous sherry makers that can be visited accompanied by a guide. A look into the “kitchen” is always concluded with a tasting of the different variations of the popular drink.
Back near the cathedral lies the quarter where everything revolves around flamenco music. Visitors can indulge their love for this fiery form of music and dance in various ways. Of course, there are countless performances, but those wanting to go a step further can learn a lot about flamenco. Finally, there is the special museum with all kinds of audiovisual presentations. Another date for the diary: every year, in late February and early March, the world-famous Jerez Flamenco Festival takes place.
For horse lovers, Jerez is a sort of pilgrimage site. They can choose from no fewer than 60 stables where the noble Andalusian horses can be admired. Moreover, every Thursday of the week there are performances of the horses at the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art. Training is also held there in dressage and coach-driving, among others. Tickets for other weekdays can be purchased separately.
My visit to Jerez is over. I enjoyed the flamenco and horse shows. But tasting sherry is not something I, as a flamingo, like.
And I want to end this story with a fun fact about us flamingos. If you visit salt lakes, you’ll always see us standing with one leg in the water and the other tucked up. That’s purely to maintain a balanced body temperature. The leg in the water cools and the other warms. A further advantage is that if we get a bit stuck in the muddy ground, the second leg helps us get free again. So folks: we’re not as dumb as you might think.
