The traditional Cucaña of the Velá de Santa Ana will be held from July 22 to 26 at the base of Calle Betis. Registrations are now open in the Triana District.
Residents of Triana and all of Seville can now sign up for the Cucaña of the Velá de Santa Ana, which this year will take place from July 22 to 26. The popular game, which involves walking on a greased wooden pole to reach a flag, will be set up at the base of Calle Betis, over the Guadalquivir River.
In-person Registration in the Triana District
To participate, it is necessary to register in advance at the office of the Triana District, located at Calle San Jacinto number 33. The office hours are Monday to Thursday from 8:30 to 15:00 and from 17:00 to 20:30, and Fridays from 8:30 to 15:00. However, it is essential to make an appointment through the Seville City Council website.
Once registration is completed, participants will be able to access the boat where the game is set up and wait for their turn. The organisers have confirmed that the competition will be mixed, with no distinction of gender, and both children and adults can participate.
A Neapolitan Game with Over Seven Centuries of History
The Cucaña is a tradition that dates back to the 13th century, promoted by Alfonso X the Wise. It consists of a wooden mast smeared with soap or grease, placed horizontally over a boat. The objective is to reach the end and grab the flag without falling into the water, which elicits laughter and applause from the audience.
More than the prize, what matters is the challenge and the fun. Dozens of people of all ages are encouraged to try every year, and those who do not succeed at least get a good splash. The festive atmosphere on the riverbank is one of the main attractions of the Velá.
Parallel Activities Throughout the Week
In addition to the Cucaña, the Velá de Triana 2026 includes a packed programme of sports activities: Guadalquivir regatta, beach handball tournaments, 7-a-side football, veterans' 11-a-side football, futsal, paddle, pickleball, dominoes, social running, and a fishing contest. All of this will be accompanied by musical performances from artists such as Cantores de Híspalis, Silvia Pantoja, and Rocío Díaz.
The Velá will kick off on July 21 with the opening speech and will continue until the 26th. For the residents of Triana and visitors, it is a unique opportunity to enjoy Seville's traditions by the Guadalquivir. However, those who wish to attempt the Cucaña should hurry to sign up: spots fill up as quickly as those who fall into the water.
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