Baraja Andaluza

Published August 23, 2013 • Updated June 08, 2022

Non-standard Spanish-suited playing cards created by Rafael Rodriguez Hernandez and published by Ediciones Baja Andalucia, Sevilla, c.1980.

Andalucia non-standard Spanish-suited playing cards with full colour paintings on all cards by Rafael Rodriguez Hernandez and published by Ediciones Baja Andalucia, Sevilla, c.1980. The four Aces have the title “Andalucia” inside a green and white banderole, which are the colours of the Andalusian flag and the subject of the Andalusian anthem. Continuing the theme of Andalusian nationalism, the cup suit symbols are sherry glasses and the clubs are olive branches. The court cards show sherry pouring; bullfighting regalia and riding horseback; costumed ladies and musicians, all of which are typical of Southern Spain. The region has a rich culture and a strong cultural identity. Many cultural phenomena that are seen internationally as distinctively Spanish are largely or entirely Andalusian in origin. These include flamenco, bullfighting, and certain Moorish-influenced architectural styles. The cards are manufactured by Heraclio Fournier S.A., Vitoria (Spain).

'Andalucia' non-standard Spanish-suited playing cards created by Rafael Rodriguez Hernandez and published by
Ediciones Baja Andalucia, Sevilla, c.1980

Above: 'Andalucia' non-standard Spanish-suited playing cards created by Rafael Rodriguez Hernandez and published by Ediciones Baja Andalucia, Sevilla, c.1980. 40 cards in box, manufactured by Heraclio Fournier S.A., Vitoria (Spain). The reverse has a gold design on green background.

1,495 Articles

By Simon Wintle

Spain • Member since February 01, 1996

I am the founder of The World of Playing Cards (est. 1996), a website dedicated to the history, artistry and cultural significance of playing cards and tarot. Over the years I have researched various areas of the subject, acquired and traded collections and contributed as a committee member of the IPCS and graphics editor of The Playing-Card journal. Having lived in Chile, England, Wales, and now Spain, these experiences have shaped my work and passion for playing cards. Amongst my achievements is producing a limited-edition replica of a 17th-century English pack using woodblocks and stencils—a labour of love. Today, the World of Playing Cards is a global collaborative project, with my son Adam serving as the technical driving force behind its development. His innovative efforts have helped shape the site into the thriving hub it is today. You are warmly invited to become a contributor and share your enthusiasm.