Seville's mayor, José Luis Sanz, closed the Velá de Santiago and Santa Ana 2026 this Sunday with the award ceremony in the Triana neighbourhood. Sanz has championed Triana as a cultural reference and congratulated the awardees.
Seville's mayor, José Luis Sanz, put the finishing touch to the Velá de Santiago and Santa Ana 2026 with the award ceremony in the Triana neighbourhood. During the event, held this Sunday, the mayor highlighted the role of the neighbourhood as one of the great cultural, social, and heritage references of the city. “The shared talent of its residents has turned this neighbourhood into a universal symbol of excellence, identity, and pride for the entire city,” he stated.
Sanz congratulated all the awardees, emphasising that they “represent the best version of Triana and Seville.” In his speech, he noted that “Triana is not built with a single story. Triana is built with many hands, many voices, many talents, and many hearts.” The mayor added that each of the awardees represents a different virtue and that together they form “the perfect portrait of this neighbourhood.”
The recognitions ranged from Honorary Trianeros to institutions, businesses, artists, journalists, merchants, and social entities. Sanz highlighted that all of them “project the name of Triana inside and outside Seville and represent values such as effort, solidarity, culture, tradition, entrepreneurship, and public service.”
The mayor recalled that the municipal government has worked since the beginning of the term to enhance the level and prestige of one of the city's major festivals. “Together with the Organising Committee of the Velá, our role has been to listen to the residents, improve the organisation, and ensure that each edition is better than the last,” he explained. In his view, this Velá has been “one of the most complete, participative, and ambitious in recent years,” which shows that this goal is being achieved.
As a closing to the event, Sanz thanked the work of the Triana district, the Organising Committee, municipal services, the Security Forces and Corps, Civil Protection, and all the professionals who made the development of an “exemplary” Velá possible. “As long as there are neighbourhoods like Triana, committed people like those we have recognised today, and a shared pride in our roots, Seville will continue to look to the future with confidence,” he concluded.
The Velá de Santiago and Santa Ana is one of the most emblematic festivities in Seville, with a tradition dating back to the 13th century. For several days, the Triana neighbourhood hosts cultural activities, concerts, performances, and sports events, attracting thousands of visitors. The 2026 edition has stood out for its extensive programme and citizen participation.
This year's awardees have been recognised for their contribution to the neighbourhood and the city in areas such as culture, commerce, journalism, and social action. The Seville City Council has emphasised that these awards aim to highlight the work of individuals and groups who, from their discretion, enhance Triana and Seville.
The closure of the Velá marks the end of days of celebration that have filled the streets of Triana with music, colour, and tradition. Residents and visitors have enjoyed street performances, booths, and activities for all ages. The good atmosphere and public turnout have been constant throughout the week.
With the award ceremony, the City Council concludes an edition that, according to the mayor, has been “exemplary” and consolidates the Velá as an unmissable event in Seville's festive calendar. The organisation is already working on the next edition, aiming to continue improving and maintaining the essence of this centenary tradition.
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