Rebajas
- Sales!
Location: Just about everywhere
Dates: ends February
The holiday shopping season is over, and overstock is
officially on sale on 7 January. Stores are clearing inventory for spring and you can't pass a store
without seeing a "Rebajas" sign. Anyway, as January is generally a slow month
in Seville you can take a stroll through the center and find just about anything on sale. Keep an eye out for the good deals!
Valentine's Day in Seville
Location: Seville
Dates: 14 February
Seville in itself is a very romantic city, so you shouldn't have a problem locating a nice backdrop to celebrate Valentine's Day or any other special occasion. In this months feature you'll find plenty of ideas for a meal in a cozy bistro or one of the nicer restaurants with all of the extras and services if this is more your style. For hotels I've included some special places which are of course centrally located and include those extra touches of charm and romance. More information in this month's feature.
Rebajas
- Sales!
Location: Just about everywhere
Dates: until end of February
The holiday shopping season has passed and overstock officially goes on on sale the day after Reyes (7 January). Stores are clearing inventory for spring and you can't go far
without seeing a Rebajas sign. Anyway, as January is generally a slow month
in Seville you can take a stroll through the center and find just about anything on sale. Keep an eye out for the good deals!
Día
de Andalucia: Parlamento de Andalucia
Location: across from La Macarena church
Dates: February 28
Once a year you can wander inside this building as the city celebrates the Día
de Andalucia on February 28th. So why do you want to visit? Aside from the political
happenings it's one of the important pieces of Renaissance architecture in Sevilla
with some beautiful patios inside. And it's only once a year that the public
can enter without a previous appointment. I remember back in 1989 the building
was in bad shape - practically abandoned. Fully restored it's worth checking
out!
Carnaval
in Cádiz
Location: Cádiz (an hour or so south
of Sevilla)
Dates: 7-17 February
web: carnavaldecadiz.com
It's known as Mardi Gras in New Orleans and marks 40 days before Lent.
Western Andalucia has taken more of a liking to Carnaval than the rest of the
province. And of all the celebrations in Andalucia the one in Cádiz is
the largest and most famous. 10 days of festivities are planned and in general
a lot of drinking, dressing-up and nightlife happens in the street. Part of
the festivities in Cádiz include parodies of just about anyone famous
- politicians and celebrities are some of the favorites. Choir/musical groups
between five and forty-five in number dress up and play songs, satirizing personalities
and current events. A big competition takes place in Cádiz's Gran Teatro
Falla, where the groups perform in hopes of winning. And did I mention the drinking,
parades, costumes and all night action in the street?
Carnaval
in Isla Cristina
Location: Isla Cristina (province of Huelva)
Dates: 9-17 February
web: Wikipedia Carnaval de Isla Cristina
If you don't make it to Cadiz and want something a little smaller then
head to Isla Cristina. Many small towns in Western Andalucia celebrate Carnaval
but Isla Cristina is perhaps the most well known of the pueblo carnavales.
The town is a small, but important fishing port located where the Guadiana river
meets the Atlantic. Aside from the events there is a nice group of restaurants
and bars to choose from along the water. Many days of festivities for the town begin the week leading up to the fun in the street!
Valentine's Day in Seville
Location: Seville
Dates: 14 February
Seville in itself is a very romantic city, so you shouldn't have a problemlocating a nice backdrop to celebrate Valentine's Day or any other special occasion. In this month's feature you'll find plenty of ideas for a meal in a cozy bistro, or one of the nicer restaurants with all of the extras and services if this is more your style. For hotels I've included some special places which are of course centrally located and include those extra touches of charm and romance. More information in this month's feature.
Día
de Andalucia: Parlamento de Andalucia
Location: across from La Macarena church
Dates: February 28
Once a year you can wander inside this building as the city celebrates the Día
de Andalucia on February 28th. So why do you want to visit? Aside from the political
happenings it's one of the important pieces of Renaissance architecture in Sevilla
with some beautiful patios inside. And it's only once a year that the public
can enter without a previous appointment. I remember back in 1989 the building
was in bad shape - practically abandoned. Fully restored it's worth checking
out!
Día
de Andalucia: Parlamento de Andalucia
Location: across from La Macarena church
Dates: February 28
Once a year you can wander inside this building as the city celebrates the Día
de Andalucia on February 28th. So why do you want to visit? Aside from the political
happenings it's one of the important pieces of Renaissance architecture in Sevilla
with some beautiful patios inside. And it's only once a year that the public
can enter without a previous appointment. I remember back in 1989 the building
was in bad shape - practically abandoned. Fully restored it's worth checking
out!
Día
de Andalucia: Parlamento de Andalucia
Location: across from La Macarena church
Dates: February 28
Once a year you can wander inside this building as the city celebrates the Día
de Andalucia on February 28th. So why do you want to visit? Aside from the political
happenings it's one of the important pieces of Renaissance architecture in Sevilla
with some beautiful patios inside. And it's only once a year that the public
can enter without a previous appointment. I remember back in 1989 the building
was in bad shape - practically abandoned. Fully restored it's worth checking
out!
The Superbowl
Location: Watch in Tex-Mex Bar (calle Placentines)
Dates: 6 February
web: texmexsportsbar.com
The Tex Mex Bar is one of a very few which will stay open until the game ends. However, reservations are highly recommended. The Tex Mex Bar will have drink specials, hot wings for fifty "centimos" and more. Expect the two viewing areas (front bar plus back dining room) to be very full! Again, if you happen to have Digital Plus (Spanish satelite) you can catch the games on Sportmania, Canal Plus Deportes and Canal Plus.
XXIV City of Seville Marathon
Location: Estadio Olimpico
Dates: 24 February
web: www.imd.sevilla.org
Now in it's 29th year, the Seville City Marathon begins and ends in the Olympic
Stadium just outside the city center. Show up to see them start around 9:30 in
the morning, or finish some 3 - 5 hours later. Many streets will be blocked
so you can likely find a spot around the city to see the action. Good thing it's on a Sunday to keep the traffic problems to a minimum. Many feel this is a good race to begin the season - the flat course and mild February temperatures help. This year the poster for the marathon features American runner Mary Anne Nixon who has relocated to Sevilla!
Cycling: Vuelta a Andalucia
Location: Provinces of Cordoba, Malaga, Jaen, Sevilla...
Dates: 19-23 February
web: www.vueltaandalucia.com
Covering over 780km through Andalucia, the Vuelta de Andalucia makes stops in 5 Andalusian provinces and several cities and towns, including Cordoba, Jaen, Antequera, Alora, Benahavis, La Zubia, Otura and Torrox. Teams from Spain, Holland, Switzerland, Belgium and Russia will compete, featuring many well-known cyclists. The route’s closest point to city Sevilla is normally the nearby town of Ecija, or travel to Cordoba in just 45 minutes on the AVE.
Cycling: Vuelta a Andalucia
Location: Provinces of Cordoba, Malaga, Jaen, Sevilla...
Dates: 19-23 February
web: www.vueltaandalucia.com
Covering over 780km through Andalucia, the Vuelta de Andalucia makes stops in 5 Andalusian provinces and several cities and towns, including Cordoba, Jaen, Antequera, Alora, Benahavis, La Zubia, Otura and Torrox. Teams from Spain, Holland, Switzerland, Belgium and Russia will compete, featuring many well-known cyclists. The route’s closest point to city Sevilla is normally the nearby town of Ecija, or travel to Cordoba in just 45 minutes on the AVE.
The Superbowl
Location: Watch in Tex-Mex Bar (calle Placentines)
Dates: 6 February
web: texmexsportsbar.com
The Tex Mex Bar is one of a very few which will stay open until the game ends. However, reservations are highly recommended. The Tex Mex Bar will have drink specials, hot wings for fifty "centimos" and more. Expect the two viewing areas (front bar plus back dining room) to be very full! Again, if you happen to have Digital Plus (Spanish satelite) you can catch the games on Sportmania, Canal Plus Deportes and Canal Plus.
XXIV
City of Seville Marathon
Location: Estadio Olimpico
Dates: 19 February
web: www.imd.sevilla.org
Now in it's 28th year, the Seville City Marathon begins and ends in the Olympic
Stadium just outside the city center. Show up to see them start around 9:30 in
the morning, or finish some 3 - 5 hours later. Many streets will be blocked
so you can likely find a spot around the city to see the action. Good thing it's on a Sunday to keep the traffic problems to a minimum. Many feel this is a good race to begin the season - the flat course and mild February temperatures help.
Carnaval
in Cádiz
Location: Cádiz (an hour or so south
of Sevilla)
Dates: 16-26 February
web: carnavaldecadiz.com
It's known as Mardi Gras in New Orleans and marks 40 days before Lent.
Western Andalucia has taken more of a liking to Carnaval than the rest of the
province. And of all the celebrations in Andalucia the one in Cádiz is
the largest and most famous. 10 days of festivities are planned and in general
a lot of drinking, dressing-up and nightlife happens in the street. Part of
the festivities in Cádiz include parodies of just about anyone famous
- politicians and celebrities are some of the favorites. Choir/musical groups
between five and forty-five in number dress up and play songs, satirizing personalities
and current events. A big competition takes place in Cádiz's Gran Teatro
Falla, where the groups perform in hopes of winning. And did I mention the drinking,
parades, costumes and all night action in the street?
Carnaval
in Isla Cristina
Location: Isla Cristina (province of Huelva)
Dates: 16-26 February
web: Wikipedia Carnaval de Isla Cristina
If you don't make it to Cadiz and want something a little smaller then
head to Isla Cristina. Many small towns in Western Andalucia celebrate Carnaval
but Isla Cristina is perhaps the most well known of the pueblo carnavales.
The town is a small, but important fishing port located where the Guadiana river
meets the Atlantic. Aside from the events there is a nice group of restaurants
and bars to choose from along the water. Many days of festivities are in store
for the town beginning a few days before 3 March.
Carnaval
in Cádiz
Location: Cádiz (an hour or so south
of Sevilla)
Dates: 11 - 21 February
It's known as Mardi Gras in New Orleans and marks 40 days before Lent.
Western Andalucia has taken more of a liking to Carnaval than the rest of the
province. And of all the celebrations in Andalucia the one in Cádiz is
the largest and most famous. 10 days of festivities are planned and in general
a lot of drinking, dressing-up and nightlife happens in the street. Part of
the festivities in Cádiz include parodies of just about anyone famous
- politicians and celebrities are some of the favorites. Choir/musical groups
between five and forty-five in number dress up and play songs, satirizing personalities
and current events. A big competition takes place in Cádiz's Gran Teatro
Falla, where the groups perform in hopes of winning. And did I mention the drinking,
parades, costumes and all night action in the street?
Carnaval
in Isla Cristina
Location: Isla Cristina (province of Huelva)
Dates: 11 - 21 February
If you don't make it to Cadiz and want something a little smaller then
head to Isla Cristina. Many small towns in Western Andalucia celebrate Carnaval
but Isla Cristina is perhaps the most well known of the pueblo carnavales.
The town is a small, but important fishing port located where the Guadiana river
meets the Atlantic. Aside from the events there is a nice group of restaurants
and bars to choose from along the water. Many days of festivities are in store
for the town beginning a few days before 11 February.
Cycling: Vuelta a Andalucia
Location: Provinces of Cordoba, Malaga, Jaen, Sevilla...
Dates: 17-21 February
web: www.vueltaandalucia.com
Covering over 780km through Andalucia, the Vuelta de Andalucia makes stops in 5 Andalusian provinces and several cities and towns, including Cordoba, Jaen, Antequera, Alora, Benahavis, La Zubia, Otura and Torrox. Teams from Spain, Holland, Switzerland, Belgium and Russia will compete, featuring many well-known cyclists. The route’s closest point to city Sevilla is the nearby town of Ecija, or just 50 minutes away on the AVE to Cordoba.
XXIV
City of Seville Marathon
Location: Estadio Olimpico
Dates: 22 February
web: www.imd.sevilla.org
Now in it's 24th year, the Seville City Marathon begins and ends in the Olympic
Stadium, just outside the city center. Show up to see them start around 9 in
the morning, or finish some 3 - 5 hours later. Many streets will be blocked
so you can likely find a spot around the city to see the action. Good thing it is on a Sunday to keep the traffic problems to a minimum. Many feel this is a good race to begin the season - the flat course and mild February temperatures help!
Carnaval
in Cádiz
Location: Cádiz (an hour or so south
of Sevilla)
Dates: 15 - 25 February
It's known as Mardi Gras in New Orleans and marks 40 days before Lent.
Western Andalucia has taken more of a liking to Carnaval than the rest of the
province. And of all the celebrations in Andalucia the one in Cádiz is
the largest and most famous. 10 days of festivities are planned and in general
a lot of drinking, dressing-up and nightlife happens in the street. Part of
the festivities in Cádiz include parodies of just about anyone famous
- politicians and celebrities are some of the favorites. Choir/musical groups
between five and forty-five in number dress up and play songs, satirizing personalities
and current events. A big competition takes place in Cádiz's Gran Teatro
Falla, where the groups perform in hopes of winning. And did I mention the drinking,
parades, costumes and all night action in the street?
Carnaval
in Isla Cristina
Location: Isla Cristina (province of Huelva)
Dates: 6 - 25 February
If you don't make it to Cadiz and want something a little smaller then
head to Isla Cristina. Many small towns in Western Andalucia celebrate Carnaval
but Isla Cristina is perhaps the most well known of the pueblo carnavales.
The town is a small, but important fishing port located where the Guadiana river
meets the Atlantic. Aside from the events there is a nice group of restaurants
and bars to choose from along the water. Many days of festivities are in store
for the town beginning February 6th.
Festival
de Mosto
Locations: Umbrete (15 minutes from Seville), Recinto Ferial
(Fair grounds)
Dates: February 5 - 6, 2005
Umbrete is a small town just 15 minutes from Seville which I've gotten
know over the years because of family memebers who now call it home. It's a
great place for a weekend lunch, and the Festival de Mosto y Aceituna is a good
time to visit as well. The Festival has grown over the years and now features
a wide variety of food and drink which is local to Umbrete. Umbrete is famous
for it's mosto, a seasonal white wine which is at it's peak at this
time of year. Aside from wine tasting there's plenty to eat as the bars and
restruants of the town set up stands and offer some of their best cooking.