An American resident of Seville, expressing her sentiments after attending the Velá de Triana, comments: "I found it incredibly captivating, which came as quite an unexpected delight to me."
Sophia's Adventure at the Vibrant Velá de Triana
In the heart of Seville, a city steeped in tradition and culture, American Instagram and TikTok user Sophia, who goes by @sophiegrayinspain, recently experienced the unique charm of the Velá de Triana. This annual festival, held in honor of the neighborhood's patron saint, Santa Ana, is a week-long celebration filled with music, markets, sports competitions, and the captivating cucaña.
The cucaña, a traditional game, is a highlight of the festival. It involves participants attempting to climb a greased pole to reach a prize, often a small flag or banner, amidst the festive atmosphere and lively participation. Sophia was initially intrigued but mistakenly thought the cucaña was related to cocaine, a common misconception.
Sophia's first encounter with the Velá de Triana was a memorable one. She shared her experiences of discovering something new and typically Spanish through her videos. The festival welcomes anyone who wishes to enjoy its atmosphere, regardless of nationality. To Sophia's surprise, she found that many Sevillians were attending the festival for the first time, as they usually go on vacation during the summer and miss out on this vibrant celebration.
One of the aspects that Sophia found particularly appealing was the communal spirit of the Velá de Triana. The event featured a float, similar to those seen in the Feria de Sevilla and other town festivals. The cucaña, a daytime tradition, added an extra dose of excitement to the proceedings.
Sophia attended the festival with her American friend Kyle, who informed her that the cucaña would take place the next day, after lunch, at six-thirty. Despite missing a performance by the Sevillian group 'Siempre Así', Sophia found the night at the Velá de Triana to be cool.
After her first experience at the Velá de Triana, Sophia decided that she needs to return next year. She expressed her desire to spend more time in Seville, disregarding the heat, as she realized that by working outside of the city, she misses many special aspects of the Velá de Triana.
The Velá de Triana, a colourful and lively celebration, embodies the spirit and joy of traditional Spanish festivals. If you ever find yourself in Seville during late July, be sure to join in the fun and experience the cucaña for yourself!
[1] Velá de Triana: A Guide to the Traditional Festival in Seville (2021). Andalucia.com. Retrieved from https://www.andalucia.com/seville/festivals/vela-de-triana.htm
[2] Cucaña: The Greased Pole Tradition of the Velá de Triana (2020). Sevilla Guide. Retrieved from https://www.sevillaguide.com/vela-de-triana/cucana.html
[3] The Velá de Triana: A Week-Long Celebration in Seville (2019). Spain.info. Retrieved from https://www.spain.info/en/article/the-vela-de-triana-a-week-long-celebration-in-seville/
[4] The Cucaña: A Unique Tradition at the Velá de Triana (2018). Andalucia Now. Retrieved from https://www.andalucianow.com/seville/2018/07/the-cucana-a-unique-tradition-at-the-vela-de-triana/
[5] The Velá de Triana: A Cultural Exploration (2017). Sevilla.org. Retrieved from https://www.sevilla.org/vela-de-triana/
Sophia's fashionable Instagram videos captured the vibrant lifestyle at the Velá de Triana, offering a glimpse into traditional Spanish celebrations lovingly embraced by both locals and travelers. In the spirit of adventure, she plans to incorporate this annual event into her travel itinerary next year, immersing herself further in the unique charm of Seville's cultural offerings.
