| In the spring, when the whole of Seville smells of orange blossom in an interval of only one or two weeks, there are the most impressive festivities of the year; Holy Week, universally famous for its traditional procession, and the Fair with all its flamenco folklore.
Holy Week
This is a symbiosis between art, spirituality and passion. It dates back to the 16th century when the Church, wishing to increase the faith, tried to bring the mystery of the passion of Christ closer to the people in a more palpable, human way. They commissioned imaginary figures to play the passion with enough force to make others understand the pain and the resignation. These figures parade around the streets on the shoulders of “costaleros”, giving the impression that they are walking amongst the crowd.
Feria de Abril
Its origins lie in a popular livestock fair, which, though still held, gives way to what today is a show of folklore and merriment. The stage is an ephemeral city with numerous canvas marquees in streets dressed in flowers, flags and paper lamps. |
