RebajasRebajas - 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!

 

 

 

Vday Seville
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
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!

 

Parlamento de Andalucia
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 de Cadiz
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 Isla Cristina
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!

 

Vday Seville
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.

 

 

Parlamento de Andalucia
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 AndaluciaParlamento 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!




 

Betis Barsa 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.

 

Seville MarathaonXXIV 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
Vuelta de AndaluciaLocation: 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
Vuelta de AndaluciaLocation: 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.

 

 

Betis Barsa 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.

 

Seville MarathaonXXIV 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 CádizCarnaval de Cadiz
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 CristinaCarnaval 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 CádizCarnaval de Cadiz
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 CristinaCarnaval 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.