Every 15th of August, at the first light of dawn, Seville dresses up in solemnity and devotion to welcome the Virgen de los Reyes, patron saint of the city. The procession, which coincides with the Catholic feast of the Assumption of the Virgin, is one of the most important and emotional religious events of the year.
If you are staying in Seville, few places offer such a privileged starting point as the Hotel Casa del Poeta, a charming accommodation in the heart of the Santa Cruz neighbourhood. From here, you can reach the square where everything happens in just a few minutes.
History of Virgen de los Reyes
Devotion to the Virgin of the Kings dates back to the 13th century, when King Ferdinand III of Castile—later Saint Ferdinand—offered the sacred image to the city. Since then, the Virgin has been considered the protector of Seville, kept inside Seville Cathedral and carried in procession on rare occasions. The 15th of August is undoubtedly the most notable occasion.
What to expect during the procession
The procession begins around 8:00 in the morning to avoid the intense summer heat. The image, dressed in rich embroidered robes and surrounded by silver candelabra, slowly makes its way around the perimeter of the cathedral.
The atmosphere is overwhelming: the ringing of bells, the aroma of incense and the respectful silence of the crowd create a unique atmosphere. Priests, civil authorities and members of uniformed bodies accompany the Virgin in a scene that has hardly changed in centuries.
How to get there from Casa del Poeta
If you are staying at Casa del Poeta, getting to the procession is a short and very special walk:
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- Leave the hotel and head towards Calle Mateos Gago.
- Walk straight ahead, following the Giralda, which will guide you.
- When you arrive, the Plaza Virgen de los Reyes will open up before you, right in front of the door of the Cathedral from where the procession departs.
It is only a 5-7 minute walk through narrow, charming streets, where you may already hear the cathedral bells ringing.
When and where to see it
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- Date: Every 15th of August.
- Location: Seville Cathedral and Plaza Virgen de los Reyes
- Best places to see it:
- In the square itself, to see the Virgin leave.
- On Avenida de la Constitución, with more space and visibility.
Tips for visitors in August
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- Arrive early: Sevillians take their places before dawn.
- Dress respectfully for a religious event.
- Bring water, even early in the morning.
- Afterwards, enjoy breakfast at a café near the cathedral and visit what the area has to offer you
Why you shouldn’t miss it
The Virgen de los Reyes procession is much more than a religious event: it is the soul of Seville made tradition.
And for those staying at Casa del Poeta, it is the perfect opportunity to start the day with a short walk and end it with an unforgettable experience of the city’s history and faith.
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