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!