Andalusia experiences its festivals with great passion and enthusiasm, and Seville, being the capital, is the home to some of the most important in the region.

Seville's celebration of Easter Week, declared to be of National Tourist Interest, dates back to the 14th century. It begins on Palm Sunday, ends on Easter Sunday, and more than 57 brotherhoods take part in the processions. The most emblematic images carried in the processions are the Jesús del Gran Poder, La Esperanza de Triana, La Macarena and El Cristo del Cachorro.

The other great festival, the April Fair or Feria de Abril, dates back to the mid-19th century, when it was a farming and cattle-raising fair. Gradually, it became a celebration of the Andalusian countryside, even though it takes place inside the urban area. It takes months of work to build a city of canvas stalls, lights, and lanterns inside the fairground, to which Sevillians go dressed in traditional costumes.

The major celebration on the Guadalquivir River is the vigil of Santa Ana, in the seagoing district of Triana. It takes place on July 24, 25, and 26, coinciding with the celebrations of Santiago and Santa Ana, the latter being the patron saint of the district.

[Fuente: Servidor web del Instituto de Turismo de España, TURESPAÑA "www.spain.info"]