Sevilla

Important facts: Geography, Climate, Population, etc:
When planning a vacation to one of the 3rd largest city in Spain, you many want to avoid a trip during the summer months. The heat can get unbearable; Sevilla is known to be one of the hottest places in Europe. A perfect time to visit would be during the spring or fall. However, if it is the only time you can make it, there is a large river that runs through the city from north and south, the Guadalquivir River is perfect for recreational sports. The river helped the settlement of Sevilla; archeological findings show that fisherman and hunters settled the city in the 9th century B.C. There are more than 1.6 million people in the metropolitan area.



Fiestas and traditions:
Sevilla is the capital of the Andalusia, one of the 17 autonomous communities. Many important events occur here. Sevilla is known for the Semana Santa (Easter Week). This festival began in the 17th century. Many of the same traits can still be seen today. Some traits would be the creation of Jesus Del Gran Poder, La Macarena, and the Christ of Cachorro. This celebration starts on Palm Sunday and goes until Easter Sunday.

Another fiesta is La Feria De Sevilla, the April Fair. Every spring Sevilla has this fair. It stated as a cattle trading fair in 1847 and now has grown to be so much more. This event is considered to be a week long party. The grand event includes[| flamingo dancing], bull fighting and just plan rowdy fun. Men will dress up in short jackets, boots, and chaps, and the women will wear bright, colorful dress.

A Picture from Semana Santa

Political situation:
Business in Sevilla: Hundreds of fairs, conferences and exhibits are held in Sevilla each year. The city is the most important business destination in all of Spain. An international airport and high-speed train makes Sevilla very accessible to business men and women. The high speed train and actually get someone to Madrid in 3 hours. Also, many hotels are located throughout the city making is easy to accommodate all the business travels and tourists.

Political Issues: Spain is currently a Federation of Autonomous Communities, all communities use to be unitary but now form differences in education and health care, for example. Sevilla is located in Andalusia, in the southern part of Spain. Andalusia is one of the 17 Autonomous Communities. The largest problem Spain faces as a whole is terrorism. ETA is trying to gain independence of the Autonomous Basque in violent means by bombing and murdering people. This is causing tension in all Autonomous regions, including Andalusia. It is important that Spain stays together.

Places of interest:
Outdoor activities are endless in Sevilla. Donana National Park located between Huelva and Sevilla is a natural paradise. Composed of marshlands, fixed and mobile dunes, this is any amazing national park. Visitors can enjoy many activities here, mostly hunting, climbing, fishing, and water sports. In city the Guadalquivir River, which runs from the north to the south, sailing and canoeing can be enjoyed. Sports and Nature go hand in hand. Football is a passion in this area. Two legendary teams are located here: Sevilla Football Club and Real Betis Balompie. If none of the activities mentioned yet are of interest to you, magnificent golf courses surround this area. Golf can be played all year round due to the ideal climate. Someone who loves to be outside and enjoy natural would really enjoy a trip to this beautiful city. Donana National Park

Famous people:
Bartolome Esteban Murillo is considered to be one of the greatest painters of all time. He was born in 1617 in Sevilla and remained there until his death. He became an orphan at the age of ten and was raised by his uncle who was also a painter. It was said that in those days in order to make a living you would have to paint on cheap canvases and sell the paintings at county fairs. At that point the paintings are bought and shipped somewhere in America usually. From his paintings Murillo became famous at the age of twenty-eight. He founded a prestigious academy in 1660. His paintings used nature and religion as their themes. Murillo had a large influence in Sevillian art and continued to do so until the 19th century.



Food:
Sevillian cuisine is based on home cooking. A meal would consist of many small dishes. A group of friends will get together for a meal and sample many different kinds of foods. Some popular dishes in the city are Flamenco Eggs, Sautéed Kidneys with Sherry, and Fried Fish. People in this area are not big on going to restaurants to eat. However, the restaurants in the area are wonderful and many traditional dishes can be samples in the taverns and bars. During the hot months of summer salads, chopped pork, Gazpacho are popular because they help beat the heat. During the lent most of the meals contain cod.