Festivals in Pilas
Discover the main festivals and traditions of Pilas, in Seville's Aljarafe district.
Local festivals in Pilas
Las Carreritas are usually celebrated on Easter Sunday and make it Pilas's most important festive day. The Virgen de Belén and the Niño-Dios approach Plaza Mayor from opposite streets, and their pasos perform symbolic meetings before the crowd, accompanied by the Vera Cruz and Soledad brotherhoods and the town's bands.
Easter Sunday rituals
Bidding for the right to carry the pasos, the distribution of sugared almonds and decorated streets precede the runs. After the religious service, the Virgin returns to her hermitage in the evening; an auction of the carnations that accompanied the image and a firework display close a tradition recognised for its cultural and community value.
Other celebrations: Rocío Fair and Culture Fair
The Pilas Fair began as a livestock fair in 1834 and developed into the Fair and Festivities honouring Nuestra Señora del Rocío. It is usually held over four days on the last weekend in June, with casetas, a promenade and a procession of the Virgin through the Real. In the first week of September, the Culture Fair brings together flamenco, music, dance, theatre, talks and exhibitions.