Celebrations and festivals

  In Seville two of the most popular celebrations are the 'Semana Santa' and the 'Feria de abril'.
In 'Semana Santa' (March - April) there is movement of people throughout the region. The 'Cofradías' (Fraternities) and thousands of Sevillians process in penitence through the streets of the city. During the whole week, sanctuaries are visited and the people attend the different masses. A public and multitudinous catechism is performed in the streets around the sacred images of the brotherhoods, whose 'pasos' (floats) represent the distinct stages of the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Mantillas, clothes worn for the first time, and sounds of the processional march can be heard in all the streets; the bars are filled with people......while the Fraternities carry their floats from their church to the Cathedral.

'La Feria de abril' as indicated takes place in April. Just after 'Semana Santa' , the Sevillians start preparing this fair. There are thousands of individual 'casetas' (tents) competing to obtain a prize for the nicest tent. Decorated with lanterns, paper flowers, light bulbs, photographs, bars, paintings, mirror, lamps and other decorations. This Fair, where the natural beauty of the Sevillian girls and women is enhanced by the typical flamenco dresses, is an ideal place for cordiality and friendship whilst enjoying glasses of 'manzanilla wine' (sherry), some 'tapas' (small andalusian snacks: 'pescaito frito', 'caldito' or 'tortilla de papas'), singing and dancing 'Sevillanas' (a specific version of the flamenco dance). This singing and dancing makes daily problems fade away.