🌙Every summer, when the heat is on in Seville and the nights invite you out into the streets, the Triana neighbourhood is transformed. Colourful paper lanterns light up Calle Betis, the aroma of fried fish and green hazelnuts fills the air, and joy takes over every corner. It is the Velá de Santa Ana 2024 in Triana, the oldest popular festival in Seville, which this year will be held from 20 to 26 July 2024.
From THE SUN PLACES, we invite you to discover this unique celebration, where religious devotion, popular culture and Triana’s unmistakable character merge into an unforgettable week. And to experience it fully, we offer you our luxury apartments in Seville, the perfect retreat to rest after each festive day.
📜 Origin and History of the Velá de Santa Ana in Triana
The history of the Velá de Santa Ana in Triana goes back over 750 years, to the mid-13th century. After the reconquest of Seville by Ferdinand III, his son, King Alfonso X the Wise, suffered a serious eye condition. According to legend, the king entrusted himself to Saint Anne, mother of the Virgin Mary, promising that if he was cured, he would build a temple in her honour in Triana.
The king kept his promise and in 1266 work began on the Church of Santa Ana, known today as the "Cathedral of Triana". Since then, the neighbourhood’s residents began to gather at the church on the eve of 26 July, Saint Anne’s feast day, to keep vigil with the Virgin throughout the night. These religious vigils, known as “velás”, gradually took on a more festive character, with dancing and singing at the doors of houses and on the banks of the Guadalquivir River.
The Velá de Santa Ana in Triana as we know it today is barely a century old. In 1910, deputy mayor Manuel Garrido Pérez introduced the “cucaña” (greasy pole), which has become one of the festival’s emblems. After a hiatus during the Civil War, the celebration was revived and, in 1980, the first opening address (pregón) of the Velá was held.
📅 When is the Velá de Santa Ana 2024 in Triana?
The Velá de Santa Ana 2024 in Triana will take place from 20 to 26 July 2024, although there will be pre‑festival activities from 14 July.
📍Calendar of Key Events:
14 July
18 July
- Floating Procession of the Virgen del Carmen
20 July
- Municipal Symphony Band Concert + Opening Address by José Yélamo
20 July
- Switching on of the festive lights
21-26 July
- Greasy pole (cucaña) on the river
21-25 July
24 July
25 July
- Floral offering and fireworks
26 July
- Performance of “Los Gozos” and kissing of the image
🎶Concert Programme for the Velá de Santa Ana 2024 in Triana
Plaza del Altozano will be the epicentre of the musical performances at the Velá de Santa Ana 2024 in Triana, with free concerts every night starting at 10:00pm:
Sunday 21 July
- The Miarmers and Joaquín Pavón
Monday 22 July
Tuesday 23 July
Wednesday 24 July
- Flamenco Gala in tribute to Manuel Martín
Thursday 25 July
Friday 26 July Álex Ortiz + Awards ceremony
🚣The Cucaña (Greasy Pole): The Most Traditional Game on the Guadalquivir and the Velá de Santa Ana in Triana
One cannot speak of the Velá de Santa Ana in Triana without mentioning the cucaña, the activity most eagerly awaited by children and adults alike. This game, introduced in 1910, consists of walking along a greased pole nearly 5 metres long placed horizontally over the river to reach a flag at the end.
Skill, balance and plenty of humour come together in this spectacle where falls into the water are more than guaranteed. The cucaña can be enjoyed from 21 to 26 July starting at 6:30pm at the Guadalquivir dock.
🏆 Sport and Competition at the Velá de Santa Ana 2024 in Triana:
The Guadalquivir River is also a key player in the sporting competitions of the Velá de Santa Ana in Triana:
8th Triana Night Regatta: Wednesday 24 July at 9:30pm
Futsal tournaments (men’s and women’s)
Padel, chess, dominoes, fishing and 7‑a‑side football
🙏 Religious Observances at the Velá de Santa Ana 2024 in Triana:
The Velá de Santa Ana 2024 in Triana keeps its religious essence alive:
- 18‑26 July: Novena at the Church of Santa Ana
- 25 July (12:00am midnight): Floral offering and fireworks at the Cathedral of Triana
- 26 July (12:00am midnight): Performance of “Los Gozos” and “Las Nanas” by the band of Cristo de las Tres Caídas, followed by the kissing of the Virgin’s image
🍤 Gastronomy at the Velá de Santa Ana 2024 in Triana
The culinary offering of the Velá de Santa Ana 2024 in Triana is one of its main attractions:
- Fried fish and grilled sardines: A must in any stall
- Green hazelnuts: The characteristic flavour of the Velá, more bitter than usual
- Stalls on Calle Betis: Dozens of spots to enjoy tapas, drinks and the Triana atmosphere
🏡 THE SUN PLACES: Your Luxury Retreat to Experience the Velá
At THE SUN PLACES, we know that enjoying the Velá de Santa Ana 2024 in Triana requires a good home base. That is why we offer you Luxury Apartments in Seville, designed to make your stay as unforgettable as the festival.
🌟Why stay with us during the Velá de Santa Ana 2024 in Triana?
- Privileged Location: Our apartments are located in central areas, just a short distance from the Triana neighbourhood and Calle Betis.
- Absolute Comfort: Spacious spaces, high‑quality beds, equipped kitchens and air conditioning to escape the Seville heat.
- Personalised Concierge: We help you with the best recommendations to enjoy the Velá: timings, locations, transport and much more.
- The Perfect Retreat: After a night of music, dance and tradition on the banks of the Guadalquivir, return to a haven of tranquillity and elegance to recharge your batteries.
📞 Contact THE SUN PLACES to book your luxury apartment in Seville and get ready to experience the Velá de Santa Ana 2024 in Triana like a true local.