Carmen Farala, Seville
Despite never having watched a season of Drag Race before auditioning for the show, Carmen Farala shantayed into the werk room snatched for the gods and full of Andalusian flavour.
She won three maxi and four mini challenges and deep-throated a banana before being crowned Spain’s first drag superstar.
What are Seville’s must-dos?
The Santa Cruz neighbourhood is traditionally Andalusian and an obligatory part of any trip to
Seville. A more alternative, more modern area that I personally love is La Alameda de Hércules.
What dish do we have to try in the city?
You cannot go to Seville without trying our famous pescaíto frito, or fried fish — it’s so good! There are different kinds of fried fish, including the famous Sevillian adobo — dogfish marinated in sherry vinegar and then deep-fried.
Where can we dine on the best tapas?
There’s an old saying that Seville has more bars than banks. I haven’t stopped to count, but I’m sure it’s true. In the centre of the city, you’ll stumble upon traditional bars where you least expect them serving all the classics. For something more gourmet, head to the Lonja del Barranco Market, next to the Triana Bridge (Puente de Isabel II).
Where is your favourite queer space?
Seville has always been one of the most open-minded places in Andalusia. La Alameda de Hércules is the most alternative area of the city, where many of the LGBTQ+ bars are concentrated.
“Andalusia is more than just flamenco. It is strength, it’s nerve, fight, joy and fun”
Yourself aside, who are Seville’s fiercest drag queens?
I grew up watching Angelita ‘La Perversa’ (The Perverse) perform, and she is, without a doubt, one of Seville’s greatest drag icons.
Where can we find a good drag show?
ITACA is a classic LGBTQ+ venue famous for its hysterically funny drag queens.
How did your first drag performance in Seville go?
They say nobody is a prophet in their own land and the truth is I moved to Madrid aged 19 and started my drag career there as part of the trio Hermanas Farala (Farala sisters). On the very few occasions I’ve performed in Seville, the love and support of my people have filled me with so much joy.
Where is your favourite place to go on a date?
It’s been so long since I went on a date I can barely remember! But if I had to choose, it would be watching the sunset on the banks of the Guadalquivir River, overlooking the Triana neighbourhood, seeing the sky shift as a warm breeze filled with the scent of orange blossoms floods the city. What else could you need to fall in love?
How does your drag represent Seville?
I’m incredibly proud of my heritage but people have also thanked me for demonstrating that Andalusia is more than just flamenco and folklore. Andalusia is strength, it’s nerve, fight, joy and fun. If you watch the final lip sync in Drag Race España, you can see my Andalusian roots in the way I move my hands and the drama and passion of the final performance.
Why should LGBTQ+ travellers visit Seville?
You will fall in love with Seville, it will bewitch you and you will always want to return. Its light, its art, its people, its colour… According to a famous Spanish song, Seville has a special colour, and if there’s one thing our community understands, it is colours.