Culture and history info

Sevilla was originally an Iberian town. Under the Romans it flourished from the 2nd century BCE onward as Hispalis, and it was an administrative centre of the province of Baetica. The Silingi Vandals made it the seat of their kingdom early in the 5th century CE, but in 461 it passed under Visigothic rule. In 711 the town fell to the Muslims, and under their rule Ixvillia, as it was then called, flourished. It became a leading cultural and commercial centre under the ʿAbbādid dynasty and the subsequent Almoravid and Almohad confederations. As the Almohad capital in the 12th century, Sevilla enjoyed great prosperity and ambitious building programs. But after the Muslim possession of Sevilla was ended in 1248 by Spanish Christians under Ferdinand III, the substantial Moorish and Jewish minorities were driven into exile, and the local economy temporarily fell into ruin.

Sevilla is known for its celebrations and festivals. One of the most famous of these occurs during Semana Santa, or Holy Week, the seven days leading up to Easter. The festival features colourful processions of floats, depicting religious scenes and carried by cofradías (brotherhoods) from their churches to the Cathedral of Santa Maria. The city’s April Fair, first held in the mid-19th century, celebrates the Andalusian countryside. Sevilla hosts the Biennial of Flamenco Art, and flamenco performances are prevalent in the city’s many tablaos (bars). Other neighborhood and religious festivals are held throughout the year. There is a bullring in the city.