An explosion of colour and contrast, as well as the successful mix of the modern and traditional, mean that Seville offers a wide range of cultural variety to cater for all tastes throughout the year: Flamenco, bullfighting, Semana Santa (Holy Week), The April Fair and the lively atmosphere in the streets due to the open and friendly nature of its people.

The river Guadalquivir, Maria Luisa Park, the Cathedral, The Golden Tower and the Plaza de España are all places of enchantment where the visitor can feel the spirit of a city which is eternally romantic...

To have an entertaining evening, it is strongly recommended to go to one of the numerous tablaos flamencos of Seville, the stages for flamenco dancing. Some of the best known are Los Gallos, located in the touristic district of Santa Cruz; Patio Sevillano (Sevillian Courtyard), that hosts performances that combine flamenco, classical Spanish dance, Spanish song, and regional dances; and El Arenal, with flamenco performances of great artistic and professional value.

The most important theatre of the city, the Teatro Lope de Vega, stages the performances of the most important theatre companies of the country. The Teatro Imperial includes in its programme works by Spanish playwrights, as well as Spanish song recitals; independent companies perform in the Teatro Municipal Alameda. During the summer, the Festival de Verano (Summer Fest) brings important performers to the Teatro de la Maestranza.

Those who prefer sporting events can head to the Club Pineda de Sevilla, where international equestrian competitions are organised. Horse racing season runs from January to March, although steeplechases, as well as harnessing and taming contests are held all year round.

Andalusia experiences its fiestas with great passion and enthusiasm, and Seville, being the capital, is the home to some of the most important fiestas in the region.

The other great festivity, the April Fair or Feria de Abril, dates back to the mid 19th century, when it was a farming and cattle-raising fair. Gradually, it became a celebration of the Andalusian countryside, even though it takes place inside the urban area. It takes months of work to build a city of canvas stalls, lights, and lanterns inside the fairgrounds, to which Sevillians go dressed in traditional costumes.