On July 17, the Cathedral of Seville hosts the liturgical events in honour of saints Justa and Rufina, patrons of the capital of Seville. Tradition links their protection to the survival of the Giralda after the earthquakes of 1504 and 1755.
The Archdiocese of Seville celebrates this Thursday, July 17, the feast of saints Justa and Rufina, patrons of the city. The central events will take place at the Cathedral of Seville, where a commemorative mass will be held in the Royal Chapel at 9:30 in the morning, preceded by the office of readings and lauds.
Saints Justa and Rufina, young potters born in Roman Hispalis, were martyred in the year 287 by order of the prefect Diogenian. Their refusal to give a donation to the procession of the goddess Salambona and to renounce their Christian faith led them to martyrdom. Since then, they have been venerated as patrons of Seville, a patronage that dates back to ancient liturgical texts.
A tradition that protects the Giralda
The devotion to saints Justa and Rufina is deeply rooted in the city. Popular piety attributes to their intercession the fact that the Giralda did not collapse during the earthquakes of 1504 and 1755. Chronicles of the time recount how the people of Seville cried out to the saints during the tremors, and the tower remained standing, solidifying their fame as protectors.
Throughout this week, the cathedral chapel dedicated to the saints will remain open and adorned with flowers, allowing the faithful to come and venerate their images. The Archdiocese encourages the people of Seville to participate in the liturgical events and to keep this centuries-old tradition alive.
A celebration with a Seville stamp
The feast is celebrated in Seville on July 17, following the tradition of the Hispano-Mozarabic liturgy, while in other parts of Spain it is commemorated on July 19. This detail underscores the uniqueness of the Seville devotion, which is also shared by the Orthodox Church. Saints Justa and Rufina are a symbol of identity for the people of Seville, who remember them each year with processions, masses, and floral offerings.
For the residents of the province, this feast is an opportunity to learn more about local history and participate in a tradition that unites faith and culture. The Cathedral of Seville, one of the most visited monuments, offers an incomparable setting for these events, which combine the memory of martyrdom with the joy of the patronal feast.
As a practical note, the commemorative mass in the Royal Chapel will be at 9:30 am, with free entry. Those who cannot attend can visit the chapel of the saints throughout the week, during the Cathedral's opening hours. A unique occasion to discover one of Seville's most cherished devotions.
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