Seville in August: A Love Story Between Me and My Sweat

Ah, Seville in August — where the sun doesn't set, it just takes short coffee breaks. You've heard of hot yoga? Welcome to hot everything. The moment you step off the plane, the air hugs you like a warm tortilla... and doesn’t let go.

Every building whispers, "Why are you outside?" and every local nods at you with that look that says, "Tourist, huh?" But you're brave. You're bold. You're wearing SPF 9000 and a hat big enough to shade a village

**Day 1 in Seville: Sauna Edition 🔥**

I woke up in our apartment in **Plaza San Marcos**, full of optimism and sunscreen. The plan? A cultural deep dive through Seville’s historic heart. The reality? An accidental audition for *Survivor: Andalusian Heatwave.*

🥵 **Temperature at 10:00 AM: “Oven-preheating-to-hell” degrees.**

But I was ready(ish). Water bottle in hand, I strutted out like a conquistador with Google Maps in hand.

🕌 **Stop 1: Casa de Pilatos**

First thoughts: "Oooh, shade."

This 16th-century palace is like Seville’s underrated gem — part Renaissance, part Mudejar, all beautiful. Think marble courtyards, intricate tiles, and vibes that whisper *“someone rich definitely used to sip wine here.”* Also, it was so peaceful I almost moved in. Would’ve done it too, if they had AC.

🌸 **Stop 2: Barrio de Santa Cruz**

Next, I wandered into this maze of whitewashed walls and orange trees, where every corner looks like a postcard and every street is 3 degrees cooler if you stand just right. It used to be the Jewish Quarter, and now it’s the world’s cutest labyrinth. I got lost at least three times and loved every sun-drenched, slightly disoriented second.

🏰 **Stop 3: Royal Alcázar of Seville**

This is where my inner *Game of Thrones* nerd screamed (it was a filming location, thank you very much). Stunning Islamic architecture, endless gardens, and fountains I wasn’t technically allowed to lie down in. The beauty is unreal — like the palace is flirting with you the entire time. 10/10, would get heatstroke here again.

📜 **Stop 4: Archivo de Indias**

At this point, my brain was melting, but history called. The Archive houses documents from the Spanish Empire’s glory days. It’s basically the receipts for all of Spain’s global drama. Great if you like maps, old paper, and free entrance (which I do). Bonus: the inside is cool. Like, physically. I may have lingered near the air vents.

⛪️ **Stop 5: Seville Cathedral + La Giralda**

One word: Massive.

It’s the **largest Gothic cathedral** in the world, and it’s got everything — tomb of Christopher Columbus, golden altars, and a bell tower you can climb without stairs (just ramps! Hello medieval accessibility!). Giralda’s views are worth every sweaty breath, and the breeze at the top? Practically a religious experience.

🙏 **Final Stop: Iglesia Colegial del Salvador**

Just when I thought I couldn't handle more holy ground, this **Baroque beauty** swept in like a glittery, gilded encore. It's less crowded than the cathedral but no less stunning. Honestly, I’d pray here just for the ceiling. And maybe for a breeze.

🌇 **Back to Plaza San Marcos**

I limped home, sun-kissed (ok, sun-smacked), culturally fulfilled, and 87% sure I was now a mirage. A cold shower never felt so spiritual.

**Total steps: Too many.

Total photos: 341.

Total regrets: Zero 

Seville, Day 1: conquered. Barely. Now for the foto spam ;)

N.B click on fotos to see bigger.

Elevador Panoramico Boca do Vento

Ah, the *Panoramic Elevator of Boca do Vento* — where breathtaking views meet sweat-soaked ambition. Getting there? Let’s just say it was less of a scenic stroll and more of a pilgrimage through the sun’s personal sauna.

Picture this: the sun blazing like it was being paid overtime, the pavement radiating enough heat to fry an egg (or your will to live), and you — brave, noble traveler — trudging along like a hero in a Greek myth, only instead of a Minotaur, you were battling dehydration and mildly poor shoe choices.

Halfway there, the heat turned things from “adventure” to “emergency,” prompting a pit stop — because even the most determined explorers need a cold drink, a moment of shade, and a brief existential crisis before tackling an uphill battle.

But oh, the reward! The elevator rose like a slow-motion redemption arc, lifting you high above the Tagus River, offering views so stunning they nearly erased the memory of your sun-scorched journey. Nearly.

Next time? Sunscreen, a hat, and maybe a pre-emptive ice cream detour.

Too cool for elevators? Take the stairs — it’s only a *mildly soul-crushing* climb. But hey, nothing like gasping for air to make the view feel earned!"

Santos Populares

 So that time of the year is here again. Everybody goes to Lisbon for a great time. Lots of beer, sardines and vibing during this month of June. We naturally also went!

The Festas dos Santos Populares (Festivals of the Popular Saints) are a vibrant and deeply rooted cultural celebration in Lisbon, taking place throughout June, with a peak around June 12th–13th, the feast day of Saint Anthony (Santo António), Lisbon’s patron saint. These festivities blend Catholic traditions with folk customs, and are among the most beloved and exuberant events in Portugal.

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🌿 Origins and Saints Honored

• The festivals celebrate three saints:

  • Santo António (June 13) – most celebrated in Lisbon.

  • São João (June 24) – more prominent in Porto.

  • São Pedro (June 29) – celebrated in some Lisbon neighborhoods.

• Although religious in origin, today the events are more about community and popular culture.

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🎉 Main Events and Traditions in Lisbon

1. Street Parties (Arraiais Populares)

• Held in historic neighborhoods like Alfama, Mouraria, Graça, Bica, and Castelo.

• Streets are decked out with colorful streamers, paper lanterns, and balloons.

• Local residents host open-air feasts, playing pimba music (catchy folk-pop), and dancing until dawn.

2. Sardine Season (Sardinha Assada)

• Grilled sardines are the culinary star. You’ll see (and smell) them cooking on open-air charcoal grills everywhere.

• Served on bread or with potatoes and salad—simple and delicious.

• Accompanied by caldo verde, bifanas (pork sandwiches), and plenty of wine and beer.

3. The Marchas Populares (Popular Marches)

• A spectacular parade held on June 12th night on Avenida da Liberdade.

• Different Lisbon neighborhoods (bairros) compete with themed performances, marching in colorful, choreographed processions.

• Participants wear elaborate costumes, each neighborhood telling a story through their dance, music, and decor.

4. Weddings of Saint Anthony (Casamentos de Santo António)

• A long-standing tradition in which multiple couples are married in a mass wedding ceremony, often sponsored by the Lisbon city council.

• Symbolizes Santo António’s association with love and marriage.

5. Manjerico Basil Plants

• Small pots of manjerico (a type of aromatic basil) are gifted with paper carnations and humorous or romantic quadras (four-line poems).

• A traditional token of affection, often exchanged between sweethearts.

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🕺 Where to Go

• Alfama: One of the liveliest places, full of fado and sardines.

• Bairro Alto: Great for late-night street parties and youthful energy.

• Avenida da Liberdade: Best for watching the Marchas Populares.

• Castelo and Graça: More local and traditional vibes.

• Campo Pequeno, that’s where we went.

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💡 Tips for Visitors

• Go early to get a good spot for the parades or sardine stalls.

• Expect crowds—this is a very popular celebration for both locals and tourists.

• Wear comfortable shoes—you’ll likely be walking, standing, or dancing on cobbled streets.

• Be respectful of the local neighborhoods—these are home to many lifelong residents.

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Visiting Lisbon during the Santos Populares is like stepping into a sardine-scented fever dream where the entire city forgets about sleep and embraces grilled fish, questionable dance moves, and an ocean of sangria. Alfama’s labyrinthine alleys become a neon-lit dance floor, grandmas battle it out over who grills the best sardines, and strangers become best friends over plastic cups of vinho verde. It's chaos, charm, and chouriço on a stick—Lisbon at its most unfiltered and unforgettable.