Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a time of seclusion and preparation for Easter. For many Sevillians, this is one of the most important times of year, and for this reason, they endeavour to prepare and make sure everything to do with this celebration is ready.
During March, the members of the different brotherhoods begin to practice and prepare everything related to the processions. In this way, if you visit Seville at this time of year you may find groups of ‘costaleros’ practicing with the body of the pasos (floats), without the religious images, to the rhythm of the music played by brass bands and drums. It is a common sight to see the groups of ‘costaleros’ in some of the city’s quarters at the end of the afternoon or early evening. But it is also common to hear the sound of the bugles and drums practicing their marches in different corners of the city.
Cofrade tourism during this time of year, and especially during Semana Santa (Holy Week), is common in the city. To enjoy these events you can choose a hotel in Seville that allows you to walk to all the different spots. If you choose lodgings in the centre you will be able to attend some liturgical events that the brotherhoods celebrate at this time of year in the different churches in the city centre. During Lent it is possible to follow routes throughout the city to discover the charm of the temples and religious images. This time of year is a great moment to enjoy the alters that the ‘cofradías’ decorate to honour those it is dedicated to and visit the churches without the crowds that that arrive later on, during the Holy Week.
Triana is one of the neighbourhoods where Lent is most devotedly celebrated. The brotherhoods open up their base chapels to the public to offer reverence to its patron saint (besamanos). Located on the other bank of the Guadalquivir River, if you find a room with a terrace towards Seville you will be able to enjoy some of the best views during your stay in the city. In addition, in the Triana neighbourhood you will find a great number of churches and chapels of brotherhoods that you can visit to get to know some of the best Holy Week imagery. For this reason, hotels in Triana are a good choice to enjoy the typical environment of a city that throws itself into this religious and cultural event.
Lent is also a time to enjoy the city’s gastronomy while visiting the touristiest corners. In the bars and restaurants in each neighbourhood, you will be able to taste typical dishes such as the cod or the spinach and chickpea stew. If you are looking for something sweet, pestiños, torrijas or buñuelos will tickle your taste buds during your stay in Seville.
