Category Archives: culture

the alcĂĄzar revisited

03 Tuesday Mar 2026

Posted by in architecture, art, culture, sevilla, tourism

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After Peter’s Birthday Lunch on Sunday we went over to the AlcĂĄzar to see the Sorolla exhibit. I’d actually had tickets booked in February but they were cancelled due to storm conditions and had rebooked for last Thursday but then 🤧 , so Sunday was the last chance. And it was great. Looking back, I think the last time I had visited the AlcĂĄzar was shortly after lockdown in 2020 which is a shame because it’s just gorgeous and free for residents. Well I say free, which it is, but used to be we could skip the queues, flash our residency cards, and go in any time we felt like it. You know, like a resident. But for some time now we have been made to book a slot online. And okay we don’t have to pay but we have to plan ahead and then go and wait in the queue half an hour before the entrance time, just like a tourist. And then of course the place is swarming… kind of takes the enjoyment out of it. Anyhow, it was nice to be back for an hour or so after lunch, the exhibit was lovely, and we were even lucky with the weather. Also spotted some azahar buds on the trees! Won’t be long now.

cucharĂłn de plata 2026

20 Friday Feb 2026

Posted by in bitesize sevilla, culture, gastronomy, restaurants, sevilla, tapas, tapas bars

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Today my friend and neighbour Mariano GĂĄrcia received the CucharĂłn de Plata (Silver Ladle) award for his “exemplary career and a lifetime dedicated to the hospitality industry”.  It was a very moving ceremony and, typically, Mariano dedicated his award to his family, co-workers and customers…

I have not been, nor am I by any means, the sole author or deserving recipient of this distinction, which, thanks to the prestige of the Chamber of Commerce, the Rural Savings Bank, and the City Council in the person of its Mayor, fills me with satisfaction and pride. Of CafeterĂ­a Donald, of Restaurante Donald, of La Hermandad, I am only a co-author, and I say ‘co’ because you have also been, and will be, my wife, my daughters, my parents, my mentor Manolo Ávila, my fellow members of so many beloved brotherhoods, my people in the world of bullfighting, my friends, my gatherings, and everyone else. Without you, Donald would be a ‘simple’ bar and not a home for all those I just named.

More on Mariano and CafeterĂ­a Donald coming soon on Bitesize Sevilla.

it’s not tradition, it’s racism in disguise

29 Monday Dec 2025

Posted by in christmas, culture, sevilla, spain

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And a thinly veiled disguise at that. Spotted this posted on the storefront window of Lush Cosmetics in Calle Tetuan whilst out for a hobble…

Pintarse la cara de negro no es tradiciĂłn. Es racismo maquillado.
La ONU reconoce el blackface como una prĂĄctica racista que perpetĂşa estereotipos coloniales.
#StopBlackfaceInSpain

Painting your face black is not a tradition. It’s racism in disguise.
The UN recognises blackface as a racist practice that perpetuates colonial stereotypes.

Well done Lush! And WTF is wrong with you Spain, that you still think this sort of “casual racism” is just a “harmless custom” meant to bring joy to children? Yes, the practice has come under debate and received much criticism over the past few years, but I mean what is there to debate? Spain, I love you but just stop fucking doing this already. I could say a LOT more about racism in Spain but I’m just too overwhelmed by THE WORLD right now. Some other time perhaps. I was just glad to see this today, though sorry it still needs to be said.