La Velá de San Miguel: the autumn fair in Seville
The Feria de San Miguel, currently known as the Velá de San Miguel, is a unique event in the city of Seville. In 2022, the tradition was revived, delighting Sevillians and visitors to the Andalusian capital with numerous gastronomic stalls, concerts and attractions.
Get to know the two fairs in Seville
And you may wonder: how is it that Seville has two fairs? Well, it’s easy: back in the 13th century, King Alfonso X the Wise granted Seville the possibility of holding two fairs, one in spring (the famous Feria de Abril) and another in autumn, the Feria de San Miguel. And so this original tradition was born.
Initially, the San Miguel fair was mainly livestock and agricultural in nature, in other words, what is known today as an agricultural trade fair. Over the years, however, it gradually became an imitation of the Feria de Abril, acquiring a festive spirit. The number of private booths, cultural entities and sports and bullfighting clubs increased considerably, making it what it is today.
Nowadays, the Velá de San Miguel is characterised by the wide range of leisure options it offers to both adults and children. Last year it was the Salt Wharf that hosted the numerous gastronomic and craft stalls of the fair. In addition, there were also stalls, children’s attractions and a stage for the various musical performances.
Velá de San Miguel 2023
This year, the Velá de San Miguel is coming on strong, as it will have two dates. On the one hand, from 21 to 24 September, the traditional festival of San Miguel will be held at the Muelle de la Sal. On the other hand, the Arenal neighbourhood will host the I Velá del Arenal from 30 September to 1 October.
In addition to the stalls, markets and children’s attractions that the Velá will offer this year, there is an extensive cultural programme. On Thursday 21 September at 21:00 the presentation of the festival will begin, followed by its inauguration at 21:30 hours. At 21:45 hours, the first performance of the evening will take place with the bailaora Carmen Riqueni, and at 22:30 hours, Ale Bellido and his group will delight the audience of the Velá with their music, and all this on the banks of the Guadalquivir River.
On Friday 22 September it will be the turn of Patricia Caro’s Professional School of Dance and Flamenco, which will kick off the second day of the fair at 21:00. Then at 22:30 the Andalusian rock group VANDAlüs will perform.
Saturday 23 September will have a flamenco touch thanks to the performances of Isabel María and Adrián Cabello.
Finally, on Sunday 24 September, the shows will begin at 8 p.m., where Sevillians and visitors to Seville will be able to enjoy the dance of Infinity Fusion Studio. Finally, the Velá will conclude with the Asociación Prodefensa de la Copla Andaluza.
Sounds promising, doesn’t it? Seville never ceases to amaze, whether for its traditions, customs, lifestyle or its people. There is always something to celebrate and enjoy.
