Historian Jesús Pozuelo was in charge of opening the Velá de Santiago and Santa Ana with a speech that highlighted the memory and traditions of the neighbourhood. The night included an emotional tribute to researcher Emilio Jiménez Díaz.
The Velá de Santiago and Santa Ana has begun in Triana with a speech that directly appealed to the essence of the neighbourhood. Historian Jesús Pozuelo delivered the inaugural address at an event that combined emotion, collective memory, and a call to reclaim Triana's roots. The event, which gathers thousands of people every summer, officially kicked off on Tuesday night.
From 9:00 PM, the surroundings of the Real Parroquia de Santa Ana filled with locals and visitors who followed the speech and the subsequent lighting of the decorations. Pozuelo, known for his work as a historical communicator, dedicated much of his speech to emphasising the importance of preserving the traditions that have shaped the identity of the neighbourhood. "Triana cannot be explained, Triana is lived," he stated during his speech, a phrase that resonated with attendees and encapsulated the spirit of the evening.
The speaker also recalled the origins of the festival, which began centuries ago as a manifestation of gratitude around the parish, long before stalls, lanterns, or musical performances were incorporated. Pozuelo insisted that this religious root remains one of the pillars of the Velá, which has managed to evolve without losing its essence. The night was marked by a festive atmosphere, but also by nostalgia, especially during the moment dedicated to Emilio Jiménez Díaz, a researcher and flamencologist who passed away last year. His contribution to the study of Triana's traditions was recognised as an essential legacy.
The event was attended by other prominent figures from local culture. Among the attendees who took to the microphones were the author of the promotional poster, María Tapia; singer Isabel Fayos; last year's speaker, Rafael Almarcha; and José Antonio Rodríguez, distinguished this year as Trianero of the Year. All of them participated in a special broadcast that allowed viewers to follow the evening's developments live.
The coverage was provided by 101TV, which offered images of the festive atmosphere and interviews with the key figures. The special programming began at 9:00 PM and continued until after the lighting, turning the first night of the Velá into an open window to the neighbourhood. The streets of Triana, adorned for the occasion, served as a backdrop for a celebration that attracts thousands of people each year, both residents and Sevillians returning to the neighbourhood in search of their memories.
The Velá de Santiago and Santa Ana is one of the oldest festivals in the Seville calendar. Its origins date back centuries, linked to the devotion to Santa Ana, and over time it has incorporated elements such as stalls, lanterns, and musical performances, without losing its popular character. For the residents of Triana, the event represents an annual reunion with the history and traditions of the neighbourhood.
Pozuelo's speech emphasised the need to preserve that legacy. The historian warned of the risks of losing the neighbourhood's identity in the context of urban and social changes and called on new generations to engage in maintaining customs. "Memory is what unites us as a community," he noted during his address.
The night concluded with the lighting of the decorations, which illuminated the streets of the neighbourhood and ushered in the first musical performances. The Velá's programming will continue over the coming days with activities for all audiences, from concerts to children's events. The grand finale will arrive with the traditional procession in honour of Santa Ana, which will take place next weekend.
For attendees, the inaugural day was a demonstration that the Velá remains an essential meeting point for the city. "It is the festival of all Triana residents," summarised one local while strolling through the decorated streets. The event, which will last until the end of July, promises to continue bringing life to the neighbourhood.
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