The Velá de Santa Ana 2025 in Seville: History, tradition and magic in the nights of Triana.
At THE SUN PLACES we love destinations with soul, and few places have as much as Triana. When July arrives, this emblematic Seville neighbourhood dresses up for its most authentic festival: The Velá de Santa Ana 2025 in Seville. For six days, from 21 to 26 July, Calle Betis and Plaza del Altozano become the epicentre of culture, music and popular tradition, attracting thousands of visitors seeking to experience Seville in its purest essence.
The Velá de Santa Ana 2025 in Seville is not just any festival. It is, nothing more and nothing less, the city's main festival along with Holy Week and the April Fair, and the oldest of them all, with over seven centuries of history behind it. And at THE SUN PLACES we want to tell you everything you need to know to enjoy it like a true local from Triana.
📜 Why is The Velá de Santa Ana 2025 in Seville celebrated?
To understand The Velá de Santa Ana 2025 in Seville, you have to travel back to 1266. Legend has it that King Alfonso X the Wise, after being cured of an eye ailment through the intercession of Saint Anne, ordered a church to be built in her honour in Triana. Thus the Royal Parish of Santa Ana was born, the oldest in the city after the Cathedral.
From then on, every eve of 26 July, neighbours would cross the old bridge of boats to keep a vigil for the patron saint all night in the temple. This religious vigil, which gave the festival its name ("velá"), gradually took on a more festive character. While the elders prayed, the young people gathered on the riverbank to sing, dance and celebrate the arrival of summer. Thus, what began as a medieval pilgrimage turned into the popular fair we know today.
The modern version of The Velá de Santa Ana 2025 in Seville, with its current format of casetas, concerts and activities, began to take shape at the beginning of the 20th century. It was in 1910 when, thanks to the efforts of deputy mayor Manuel Garrido Pérez, the traditional greasy pole was incorporated for the first time, soon becoming the great symbol of the festival.
The Velá de Santa Ana 2025 maintains its centuries-old essence while paying homage to those who make Triana a symbol of culture and tradition. With concerts, popular competitions and awards, this edition promises to be one of the most memorable.
🗓️ When it is celebrated: key dates for The Velá de Santa Ana 2025 in Seville
The date is unmissable. The Velá de Santa Ana 2025 in Seville will be held over six consecutive days:
- 📅 Dates: From Monday 21 July to Saturday 26 July 2025.
- 📍 Main venues: Calle Betis (with its 28 casetas), the Guadalquivir River (for the greasy pole) and Plaza del Altozano (where the main concert stage is located).
- 🎟️ Access: Free, until capacity is reached.
Next Monday, 21 July, will begin The Velá de Santa Ana 2025 in Seville, one of Seville's most emblematic celebrations, which every year turns The Triana Neighbourhood, especially Calle Betis and its surroundings, into an epicentre of culture and fun. For six days, until Saturday 26 July, thousands of people will gather on the banks of the Guadalquivir River to enjoy one of the most prominent events of these festivities: the traditional greasy pole.
🏊The greasy pole: a centuries-old symbol of The Velá de Santa Ana 2025 in Seville
Talking about The Velá de Santa Ana 2025 in Seville is talking about the greasy pole. This game, with over a century of documented history since 1910, has become the great hallmark of the festival.
Every year, dozens of participants try to reach the flag at the end of a wooden pole that extends over the river. To increase the difficulty, the pole is greased with a slippery substance, turning the challenge into a test of balance and skill.
The greasy pole of The Velá de Triana 2025 in Seville will take place from Tuesday 22 to Saturday 26 July, at 6:30 p.m., in the Guadalquivir dock, in front of Calle Betis. Unlike other editions, where the prize used to consist of typical products like cured meats or a ham, this year participants who manage to reach the flag will receive a cash prize of 30 euros.
🎶Official programme of The Velá de Santa Ana 2025 in Seville: Music, tradition and awards
Music is the soul of The Velá de Santa Ana 2025 in Seville. The stage in Plaza del Altozano will host free concerts every night, starting at 10:00 p.m., ranging from the purest flamenco to tributes to legendary bands.Monday 21 July – Official opening
- 10:00 p.m.: Inaugural concert by the Seville Municipal Symphonic Band and opening speech by Rafa Almarcha (Siempre Así), a composer from Triana at heart.
- 12:00 a.m.: Lighting of the Velá, illuminating the neighbourhood to start the festivities.
- Tuesday 22 July – Tribute to Triana6:30 p.m.: The Greasy Pole (traditional competition on the river).
- 10:00 p.m.: Tribute concert to Triana – El último de Triana, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the band's first album.
Wednesday 23 July – Flamenco night
- 6:30 p.m.: The Greasy Pole.
- 10:00 p.m.: Musicians of Triana Gala with Silvia Pantoja, Rocío Díaz and El Marchena.
- Thursday 24 July – Night of taverns and sevillanas6:30 p.m.: The Greasy Pole.
- 9:00 p.m.: Beer pullers contest (Paseo de la O) and awarding of the "Best Tavern Keeper of the Year", plus the 10th Best Decorated Casetas Contest.
- 10:00 p.m.: Women for Sevillanas – Las Soles, Carlotas and María de la Colina.
Friday 25 July – Tribute to Rafael Riqueni
- 6:30 p.m.: The Greasy Pole.
- 10:00 p.m.: Flamenco Gala with Diego Amador, El Farru and Potito, paying tribute to the guitar genius Rafael Riqueni.
Saturday 26 July – Closing and distinctions
- 10:00 p.m.: Awards ceremony for honours and distinctions.
Award winners 2025: Recognition of the essence of Triana
The Organising Committee of The Velá de Santa Ana 2025 in Seville has distinguished figures and institutions that have contributed to the identity of the neighbourhood:
- Ángel Vela Nieto (writer and sentimental chronicler of Triana).
- The Gypsy People (collective recognition for the 600 years since their arrival in the Peninsula).
- Honorary Citizens of Triana
- Pepe Moreno Vega, Ana Pérez Bermúdez, Emilio Gayoso Figueras, José Antonio Vidal, Amparo Rodríguez Babío and Juan Traverso Manzano.
- Paz de Alarcón, actress and theatre teacher born in Triana.
- Adoptive Citizens of Triana
- Pedro Manzano and María Dolores Gómez Gomila (owner of "Cerámicas Rocío").
- Casa de Valencia and Brotherhood of las Aguas.
Other awards
- Niculoso Pisano Award: Alfonso Pleguezuelo Hernández (professor and researcher of Triana pottery).
- Business Career: José Manuel Crespo Cejudo (Deportes Crespo).
- Solidarity: Proyecto Esperanza y Vida (social work of the Brotherhood of La O).
🍽️Flavours of The Velá de Santa Ana 2025 in Seville
No festival in Seville is complete without its gastronomy, and The Velá de Santa Ana 2025 in Seville is a perfect opportunity to delight in the traditional flavours of Triana:
- Montadito de pringá: The classic among classics.
- Fried fish and grilled sardines: The smell of charcoal permeates all of Calle Betis.
- Green hazelnuts and tender peanuts: The ultimate snack of the Velá.
- Prickly pears: A cone of these fruits is almost a ritual on Paseo de la O.
- Rebujito: The quintessential Andalusian drink to combat the July heat.
🏠 Experience The Velá de Santa Ana 2025 in Seville with THE SUN PLACESAnd after a day visiting casetas, enjoying the greasy pole and letting yourself be carried away by sevillanas under the stars, what better than to rest in a place that matches the experience?
At THE SUN PLACES we are clear: to make the most of The Velá de Santa Ana 2025 in Seville, there's nothing like staying in the heart of it all, with the comfort and style you deserve.
Come and enjoy this luxury in Triana (Seville) with THE SUN PLACES and stay in one of our Luxury Apartments in Seville. Located in the best areas, fully equipped and decorated by our teams with the best taste, they are the perfect refuge after a magical night on the banks of the Guadalquivir.
Imagine: after experiencing the excitement of The Velá de Santa Ana 2025 in Seville, returning to your apartment, relaxing on your sofa and reliving the best moments of the festival. Or, if you prefer, why not take a little piece of the Velá to the sofa? At THE SUN PLACES we can advise you so you can enjoy the best local gastronomy without leaving your luxury apartment.
🎉 Celebrate The Velá de Santa Ana 2025 in Seville with usThe Velá de Santa Ana 2025 in Seville is much more than a festival: it is a way of feeling the city from within. Authentic, close, spontaneous and full of history. It is the opportunity to experience Triana like a true local, to get lost among the aroma of sardines and the sound of clapping, and to take away memories with soul.
Where are you going to celebrate The Velá de Santa Ana 2025 in Seville?
Tell us on social media and tag THE SUN PLACES. And if you need accommodation or recommendations, you know:
📞 Contact THE SUN PLACES and we will offer you the best information to experience The Velá de Santa Ana 2025 in Seville from the best setting: our luxury apartments in the heart of the city.
We wait for you in Triana to experience together the most authentic Velá!