Springtime in Sevilla
There’s no denying that spring has hit Sevilla. And I think most would agree that springtime is, by far, the most delightful of seasons in Sevilla, the time of year in which this stunning city truly shines. Spring is undoubtedly the best time of year to experience Sevilla, and Sevilla is undoubtedly one of the best places in the world to experience spring.
Temperatures are perfect in the 70s. The sun stays out until past 9pm. Students sip sangría on the riverbank. And, best of all, the spectacularly sweet scent of azahar (orange blossom), perhaps my favorite smell in the world, floods the air for a few weeks.
Azahar and the Torre del Oro
In three days, Semana Santa (Holy Week) festivities kick off. Semana Santa is one of the most important events in Sevilla, and Sevilla has some of the most renowned Semana Santa celebrations in the world. As tourism ads around the city ask, “¿Hay una semana más apasionante?” “Is there a week that’s more enthralling?” I’d argue yes, as just a few weeks later begins Feria de Abril, Sevilla’s spring fair, complete with parades, bullfights, flamenco dresses, Sevillanas-dancing crowds, tapas, endless bottles of manzanilla wine, and parties that last all night long.
Loving every moment of Sevilla's Feria in 2010. Can't wait to wear my trajes de flamenca this year.
Today, workers around Spain declared a Huelga General (General Strike). As the bus to the town of my school only ran once today, in the evening, I was “forced” to take the day off, meaning I’m officially on spring break! And in just two short days, I head to Istanbul, Turkey! Sadly, I’ll have to leave the perfect climate of Sevilla for chilly Istanbul, but I have no doubt it will be an amazing trip. I can’t wait to see all that Turkey has to offer!
Happy spring!
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LOVE the first shot!
I keep forgetting that Turkey is only a few days away, as I’ve been swamped with work! My boss had gone several times and has given me a ton of tips. So excited!!
Thanks! I took it on a trip to Sevilla during Semana Santa in 2010, when I first discovered just how fantastic azahar smells.
I keep forgetting too, even though I haven’t been all that busy with work! (Field trip yesterday, and, as mentioned, no work today.) I guess it will hit me once we’re actually there!
I’ve never been to Seville, but I think if I go, thanks to this post and Cat’s post, I’d go in the spring!
On another note, I actually am not that fond of Semana Santa. It’s a big deal in Mario’s hometown, too. Last year, I spent a lot of time watching processions, waiting for the procession to arrive, waiting on postponed processions due to rain, etc. I’m over it. Already.
You definitely ought to take a trip to Sevilla some time, and do it in the spring if you can!
Yeah, I’m not a huge fan either. I saw it in Sevilla and Málaga two years ago, and, while it was interesting because it’s different from anything we have in the States, it’s a little too somber and repetitive for me. I’m looking forward to seeing it for maybe an hour or so when I get back from Turkey, but after that, I’ll be all Semana Santa-d out!
I hope you have a fantastic time in Turkey. We’ll be experts on the Istanbul airport in May, with two six-hour layovers, but won’t have enough time to go into town. I can’t wait to hear your travel tips. I definitely want to take a side trip there when we go to Georgia in the Fall.
Thanks! I hope you do get to go in the fall! It seems like a fantastic place!
Sounds lovely, Kirstie. Have a wonderful time in Turkey. I will be anxious to see your photos when you return. How wonderful to live somewhere with such exotic locations more or less at your fingertips. I am SO envious!
Thank you! I look forward to sharing my photos! It truly is wonderful to be able to travel to so many fascinating places so easily 🙂
Hola! I can[t wait to go with you to Istanbul (n spirit) I’ve always been fascinated by it! You are really going to all of my favorite spots! Thank you! Another thing that we have in common is the love for the orange blossoms! My grandmother loved them when she lived in Florida. I have always loved the scent and was able to buy orange blossom colonge at Knotts Berry Farm! I still have a small bottle!I Have a wonderful, safe trip! I love you so much!
I wish I could bottle up this scent or somehow take a “picture” of it! It’s the best! Thanks, love you too!
I can’t wait to experience Sevilla in Spring… I am a new applicant for the 2012-2013 year and I put Andalucia for my first choice (#355)….it would be amazing if I could get placed somewhere like Sevilla or Granada. Do you plan on doing another year?
I do plan on doing another year, and I’ve asked to be placed in Madrid! Hopefully it will work out! And hopefully you’ll get either Sevilla or Granada. Both are amazing, although anywhere you get placed will be fabulous.