As Los del Río once said, “Sevilla tiene un color especial” or, in other words, Seville has a special colour. There are many factors that make the Andalusian capital the most successful destination and the best place to enjoy a nice time. It can be said that the colour of Seville makes anyone who walks in its streets happy. Furthermore, its people, the climate, the tapas, the typical songs and dances, the joy and the way of life in this city make it a special place.
But that’s not all! Several different cultures have passed through Seville, leaving their mark by creating customs and traditions that are still alive. This city is well known for all its religious festivities and it is believed that all the saints and virgins of Seville have been protecting the city for many years.
No matter which date you choose to spend a few days in Seville, there will always be a festivity or tradition that you can enjoy. Moreover, the visitors are the ones who make these festivities even more special, and the Sevillians, with their very own friendly character, welcome everyone as if they were one of them.
The main traditions of Seville
Easter Week
It is considered the greatest week in Seville and during these days the city celebrates a tradition that exists since the 16th century. Holy Week in Seville brings together two very important factors: religion and history. The streets are filled with the smell of incense and processions of all the pasos, wooden structures carried by costaleros or float bearer. These pasos belong to all the brotherhoods of Seville, representing the Passion of Christ. Anyone lucky enough to see Seville’s Holy Week in person will end up speechless. There are processions every day of the week almost at all hours, so don’t be surprised if you see a different paso in every street. If you have the opportunity to visit the city on this date, don’t let it pass you by.
Corpus Christi
It is considered one of the great traditions of the city, along with the Holy Week, the fair and, on Corpus Christi Sunday there is a procession through the city, bringing together all the religious, civil and military authorities. This festivity reflects the union and devotion that exists in the Andalusian capital. The streets are decorated with rosemary branches and the weather always gives it its special touch.
Main Festivities of Seville
Feria de Abril
This is the most famous festivity in Seville. Its date varies depending on the year, but it is always a few weeks after Holy Week and is usually in April, as its name suggests. It is the festival where you can feel and enjoy a truly flamenco atmosphere. People from all over Spain reserve this week to go to Seville and experience the fair. Anyone who lives the fair as a tradition year after year will always feel that tingle when the first day arrives. There is nothing more special than the moment when they turn on the lights of the fair’s main entrance, which is the most representative element of this celebration.For the fair there is a dress code of its own: the women dress up with their flamenco dresses and the men wear suits. The Sevillian women, among other women who visit the fair, take advantage of the fair to show off their wonderful dresses, which they have been preparing all year round. In addition, you will see horses and carriages around you all the time. You will experience the true essence of southern Spain with happy people in a festive atmosphere. And this is not all: if you have children, they too will be able to enjoy the great variety of attractions or “cacharritos”, as a Sevillian would say.
San Miguel Fair
At the end of September, in the bull ring of the Real Maestranza de Caballería in Seville, you can enjoy the second most important festive event in the city, after the Feria de Abril. Dedicated to San Miguel (Saint Michael), this fair is directly related to the bullfighting environment. The San Miguel Fair has been held since 1875, but in 1970 the commercial part of this festival was called off. However, bullfights are still celebrated nowadays.
Main Customs of Seville
The Three Wise Kings
On January 5, Seville is filled with excitement and joy due to the arrival of the Three Kings. This day transports everyone to their childhood, whatever their age. There is also a festive atmosphere with fireworks, sweets and musical bands. Following tradition, the day before, the Kings’ Herald asks the mayor’s permission to hold the parade and his companions collect the letters for the Three Kings from the children. The young people live this day with great enthusiasm, and the adults too.
Christmas
During the Christmas season, the city is dressed in lights and decorations. In the centre of the city there will be no lack of light after sunset and everyone will be able to enjoy the Christmas market with nativity scenes next to the Cathedral. In addition, every year the Plaza de San Francisco (San Francisco square) offers a unique light show that varies from year to year. You can see it every day from 19:00 and every half hour until 23:00.
Also you can check our best Tours in Seville on the next links:
Cathedral of Seville Guided Tour
Royal Alcazar of Seville Guided Tour
Free Tour Seville
