Seduction in Seville

Seville is a seductress in the most Andalucian sense of the word.  Yes, it the largest city and the capital city, to boot, of the Province of Seville and the autonomous community of Andalusia but its seductive power lies not so much in its size but in the qualities of its people, its festivals and its architecture. 

Everything quintessentially Andalucian can be found in Seville and the city ensures that similar customs in the surrounding area pale in comparison.  Sevilla proudly boasts of the most passionate Semana Santa, the most romantic feria, the most energetic flamenco festival and the most happening modern nightlife everybody in southern Spain and beyond travel for miles just to bask in their glory. 

The somber Semana Santa is the drama of life in Seville come alive albeit larger than life itself.  From Palm Sunday until Easter Sunday, religious images and tableaux are paraded in the streets in long processions that take hours to finish while vast crowds wait patiently. 

But everything is not drama in Seville especially when one considers that the favorite pastime of the city residents is to have a good time.  For such a purpose, the Feria de Abril was created.  It is a time for the accomplishment of the age-old adage for living the good life - eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we celebrate again.  Take note that Sevillanos will celebrate the feria for 6 days!

Yet another devoutly religious festival that celebrates the proudly Catholic city boasts of is the Corpus Christi.  It is celebrated with plenty of flowers on the streets and houses as well as young boys performing ceremonial dances in their bright red and gold outfits. 

And then there are the flamenco festival and the bullfights, two of the foremost cultural symbols of Seville.  Where flamenco is about expressing life, bullfights are about tempting death - a reflection of Sevillanos' love for life and acceptance of the inevitability of death. 

Said enjoyment of life only adds to the seductive appeal of the Sevillanos.  Visitors also love that the people are warm, courteous and hospitable with none of the stiff upper lip attitude. 

The nightlife in Seville may be in contrast with the abovementioned traditional festivals but it is no less enthusiastic.  Bars, clubs and pubs are in full swing almost as soon as the sun sets although, like most everything else in Spain, the rip-roaring festivities start very late, say, after midnight and ends very early in the morning when the sun rises over the horizon.  In fact, tourists and expatriates have to adjust to late store openings and to the peculiarly Spanish custom of the siesta. 

But therein lies yet another of Seville's seduction secrets.  You will be enchanted by the slower pace of life where people take the time to just sit down, have a cup of coffee and enjoy the sunshine as well as the company of friends. 

You just have to remember to book your hotel room through the Internet before coming to Seville.  You want a comfortable place to take your siesta while the sun burns outside.

Seville festivals!

Go through our Web site, you will find a complete Seville city guide, Berlin apartments and information about the Barcelona airport!