Seville’s annual calendar is built around two explosive festivals, Semana Santa (Holy Week) and Feria de Abril (April Fair), that transform the city more dramatically than any other events in Spain. Between these anchor dates, the calendar fills with the Bienal de Flamenco (even years), religious pilgrimages, and summer cultural programming.
This guide covers the specific dates, expectations, and practical planning for timing your Seville trip around major events.
Seville Events and Festivals Calendar 2026-2027
Semana Santa (Holy Week) – Week Before Easter Sunday
Citywide, primarily along the official route from Plaza de la Campana through Calle Sierpes to the cathedral. In 2026, Semana Santa runs March 29-April 5. In 2027, it’s March 21-28. Approximately 60 brotherhoods (hermandades) process their elaborate religious floats (pasos) from their home churches to the cathedral and back, some taking 14 hours through streets packed with spectators.
The most dramatic processions are Madrugá (night of Holy Thursday into Good Friday, starting around midnight) and Good Friday evening. The city essentially shuts down. Hotel prices reach 3-4x normal rates and sell out months ahead. Book Seville accommodation 6-12 months before. Viewing is free from the streets; paid balcony seats along the official route cost €50-200. Wear dark, respectful clothing in the crowds.
Feria de Abril (April Fair) – Two Weeks After Easter
Real de la Feria, Los Remedios district. In 2026, Feria runs approximately April 20-26 (midnight Monday to Sunday). The fairground covers 450,000 square meters with over 1,000 casetas (striped tents), most private but about 20 open to the public (municipal and district casetas). By day, horse-drawn carriages and riders in traditional dress parade through the grounds.
By night, flamenco music, dancing, and rebujito (sherry with Sprite) dominate. The alumbrao (lighting ceremony) at midnight Monday opens the fair. The city grants a public holiday on the Wednesday. Hotel prices match Semana Santa levels. Even the public casetas can feel exclusive; the municipal ones (Casetas Municipal and Casetas de Distrito) are your best bet for entry. Dress code is traditional or smart casual; many Sevillanos wear traje de flamenca (flamenco dresses).
Bienal de Flamenco – September-October (Even-Numbered Years)
Multiple venues including Teatro de la Maestranza and Teatro Central. The next edition runs September-October 2026 (exact dates announced in early 2026). This is the world’s premier flamenco festival, presenting approximately 120 performances over three weeks. Tickets range from €20-80 per show and sell out quickly for headline names.
The program includes both traditional and avant-garde flamenco. Book through labienal.com. The Seville weather in September still delivers 32°C (90°F) highs so evening performances are comfortable.
Corpus Christi – June (60 Days After Easter)
Cathedral and surrounding streets. A morning religious procession with the cathedral’s massive 16th-century silver monstrance processing through streets covered with rosemary. Less known to tourists than Semana Santa but deeply significant locally. Free to watch. The cathedral opens its main door for the procession. In 2026, the date is approximately May 28; in 2027, approximately June 17.
Noches en los Jardines del Alcázar – June Through September
Real Alcázar gardens. An annual summer concert series held in the Alcázar gardens on Monday through Saturday evenings. The program spans classical, flamenco, jazz, and world music. Tickets cost €7 and sell out quickly. The experience of live music in a 10th-century royal garden on a warm Andalusian night is one of Seville’s best cultural values. Book through the Alcázar website starting in May.
