July is the great Feast of Triana: Triana’s fair in honor of the apostle James and the mother of the Virgin Santa Ana. Although in recent years it has lost some of its religious character, join us to get to know “La Velá de Santa Ana” a little better.
The neighborhood is decked out to celebrate its best days—a party whose origins date back to past centuries when this suburb was part of the port city. It’s a tourist celebration, ideal for admiring the customs and traditions of a neighborhood that is the very core of Sevilla.
The trianeros are the true protagonists of the fair, which has become a major attraction to visit the city during this month. Typically, it lasts six days, from Tuesday to Sunday, coinciding with the festival of Santiago, San Joaquin, and Santa Ana on July 25 and 26.
The festivities begin with the opening speech, and during the day, various sports activities take place. Among these is the “Cucaña,” a contest where young people compete to reach a handkerchief at the end of the oiled prow of a boat on the river.
Other sporting activities include the Mile Santa Justa y Rufina, the Regata night, the Acualón, a bike race, and a fishing contest, along with football tournaments. To these, cultural and social activities are added, such as theater in Triana hotels, conferences, competitions, tributes, the Trianero of the year, and concerts.
At night, the festive activity is centered around Calle Betis, where booths create a vibrant fair atmosphere. Altozano Square transforms into a stage for live art performances featuring notable Andalusian flamenco singers.
Religious activities occur at the Real Parish of Triana. Vespers are celebrated in the traditional Novena and Joys of Lady Santa Ana, with the bell tower bedecked for the occasion, complete with a band and ringing bells. Following this, there is a “besamanos” of Lady Santa Ana.
On the 26th, after the Rosary, the solemn ceremony takes place in honor of the Holy, followed by a solemn procession inside the church.
On the last night, arriving at midnight, a fireworks display usually closes the festivities.
Other Activities for These Days of July in Sevilla
In the convent church of Santa Ana on the street of the same name in the district of San Lorenzo, visitors can admire the main altar featuring the group of St. Anne and the Virgin, a work by Martinez Montanes from 1627.
Similarly, you can visit the parish of Santa Ana in Triana to see the central altarpiece grouping St. Anne and the Virgin and Child by Andres Ocampo, dating back to the seventeenth century.
We may also visit the Parroquia de Santiago, located in Plaza de Jesús de Redemption in the Santa Catalina area. Here, on the right wall, we can admire a significant painting representing Santiago at the Battle of Clavijo, a work by Mateo Pérez Asencio from the seventeenth century.
Fiestas de Santiago in the Province
On July 25, Fiestas de Santiago are celebrated throughout the province.
Aznalcázar (45 km): The traditional festivities of Santiago, declared of tourist interest, feature a procession of images of St. James, a work by sculptor Castillo Lastrucci, and the Virgin of Sorrows.
Villanueva de los Ariscal (15 km): The Feast of Santiago includes the solemn procession of Corpus Christi. This procession is traditionally celebrated on July 25 due to the special relationship of the village with the Order of Santiago.
Bollullos de Mitación: On this date, the women of the villages carry the Virgin of Cuatrovitas from the chapel to the village. This tradition dates back to the Baroque era and is considered one of the most flavorful celebrations held in honor of the Virgin. The festival of Santiago is also celebrated here.
Villanueva del Río y Minas: This fair is dedicated to the town’s patron, Santiago.
Casariche Fair: This is the festival par excellence of this town.
Castilleja de la Cuesta: A sailing event is held in honor of the Apostle Santiago, organized by the Brotherhood of the Plaza. The highlight occurs on the morning of the 25th with the departure of the Rosary of the Aurora, accompanied by the choir of campanilleros and women dressed in flamenco attire, followed by the procession of the Holy.
For a refreshing experience, one can climb the mountains to San Nicolás del Puerto (93 km from Seville) to enjoy the ‘Waterfalls of Huesna’ artificial beach and the Feria de Santiago.
In Dos Hermanas, Santa Ana is celebrated on July 26 with a procession, while in Constantina, a fair takes place in Canada Rosal featuring the Festival of San Joaquin and Santa Ana, with a release of heifers and processional events.
Highlighting the Feast of Santiago and Santa Ana de Dos Hermanas with the procession of Ntra. Sra. de Santa Ana, patroness of Dos Hermanas. During these days, a popular evening event is held at Plaza de Arenal.