Velá of St. Santiago and St. Anne
The oldest festival in Seville has its origins more than 700 years ago, with the first cults to the image of St. Anne. Today, this festivity, in the popular neighborhood of Triana, is one of the must-see events of the summer.
For a 'real' promise
In the 13th century, when King Alfonso X had an eye disease, he entrusted himself to the virgin, making the promise that if he was cured, he would build a church in honor of Saint Anne. The king kept his promise and work began in 1266. Already built, all Triana went to the temple on the eve of its eve. And so began the traditional velá of Santa Ana.
The party was lived in the temple, in its surroundings, and especially in the river. The Guadalquivir was and still is the stage where the main activities of the Velá take place, which have been transformed over time.
Cucañas and green hazelnuts
There are unique images and scenes that leave us these days as the booths adorning the Betis street or the Triana Bridge glittering with lanterns. But there is nothing like the hazelnut stalls and the classic cucaña.
Cucaña is one of the most famous traditional activities of the Velá. This ancient game takes place on the river, where trianeros of different ages (especially the younger ones) run along a greased pole, located on the river, to reach a flag at the end. Skill, fun and very cool falls pass through the almost 5 meters of cucaña.
To regain strength, we invite you to try the green hazelnuts characteristic of this festival. Its flavor, somewhat more bitter than the usual peanut, is as much a part of the typical gastronomy of the Velá as the fried fish or the grilled sardines.
Paper lanterns, flamenco and fair
That the April fair is one of our most important ones, does not mean that it is the only one. Crossing the river over the Triana Bridge, you can already feel the fair atmosphere and, as soon as you pass through this illuminated gate, Betis Street is full of booths in the purest Seville fair style.
These booths, free access, are filled during these days of light, color, lanterns and flamenco. And, along with them, activities, concerts, live shows will make you enjoy the atmosphere of Triana.
Check this year’s program, cross the bridge and live this unique experience.
