What to eat in Seville in May: Seasonal delicacies
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Espinacas con garbanzos
A thick stew of spinach, chickpeas, garlic, cumin, and paprika, this dish reflects Seville’s Moorish and convent heritage. It is usually vegetarian and hearty enough as a main tapa. You will find it year‑round at market bars and traditional taverns. Try a portion at a stall inside Mercado de Triana while watching cooks work.
Salmorejo is a chilled puréed soup of tomato, bread, olive oil, and garlic, usually topped with egg and cured ham. It draws on Andalusia’s need for refreshing dishes in warm months, yet appears on menus most of the year. Order a bowl at Mercado Lonja del Barranco’s stands and eat it on the shaded riverside terrace.
This small sandwich is filled with shredded leftover meats from a long‑cooked stew, pressed into crusty bread. It reflects thrifty home cooking and is a classic mid‑day snack in Seville’s bars. For a local version, seek out stalls and taverns around Mercado de la Calle Feria on a Thursday market morning.
Cola de toro is a slow‑braised oxtail stew cooked with red wine, vegetables, and spices until gelatinous and tender. Once linked to bullring leftovers, it is now a restaurant specialty served year‑round. Sample a tapa portion with bread at one of the prepared‑food counters inside Mercado Lonja del Barranco.
This thin, crisp wafer made with olive oil, flour, sugar, anise, and sesame comes from nearby towns but is a daily snack in Seville. It is dairy‑free and often enjoyed with coffee or as a light dessert. Buy individually wrapped tortas at Confitería La Campana on Calle Sierpes and taste them standing at the marble counter.
May brings early summer vibes, with warm days and jasmine-scented nights. The festival frenzy calms, but local street fairs and flower festivals add color. Outdoor dining and evening river walks are popular, and attractions operate on extended summer hours.
Pro tips for visiting Seville in May
Early May is ideal for outdoor activities before the heat intensifies.
Join locals for evening walks along the river or in flower-filled neighborhoods.
Plan strenuous sightseeing for mornings or after 5 pm to avoid strong sun.
Book ahead for major events like the Interestelar music festival.
Interestelar is a two‑day indie, rock, and pop festival held in the CAAC gardens on Isla de la Cartuja. Several stages run into the early morning, attracting a mostly young crowd. It pushes up demand for nearby lodging and late‑night taxis. Multi‑day passes are sold in advance and often sell out.
For several days in late May 2026, Alameda de Hércules turns into a tapas fair. Dozens of stands sell small plates at set prices, with cooking demos and competitions. It is popular in the evenings with locals and visitors, so the area gets crowded but festive. Entry is free; you pay per tapa and drink.
During the first weekends of May 2026 (first weekends interpreted as May 1–10), districts like Santa Cruz and Triana set up flower‑decorated crosses with music and children dancing sevillanas. These are small, local fairs rather than citywide events, adding pleasant evening life to specific plazas.
On the Saturday nearest International Museum Day, major museums open free in the evening with special programs. Lines form outside the Fine Arts Museum, Alcázar, and Archivo de Indias. It is excellent value but requires patience; arrive early at your priority site and accept that you may only visit one or two.
On 20–21 May 2026, Rocío brotherhoods leave Seville on foot, horseback, and wagon caravans, crossing Triana Bridge and city streets. Morning traffic near the Cathedral and Triana slows, replaced by hymn‑singing pilgrims. It is highly photogenic and free to watch, but be prepared for crowds and some dust.
On 30 May, Seville honors King Ferdinand III, its patron. The Cathedral displays his remains, and the city council hosts an official ceremony. It is a local public holiday, so offices close and some businesses adjust hours. Visitors can experience a more ceremonial side of the city but should verify attraction timetables.
Seville in May at a glance
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Weather
Maximum temperature: 30°C
Minimum temperature: 16°C
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Daylight
Around 14 hours 20 minutes of daylight
Sunrise: 7:10am
Sunset: 9:30pm
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Key events
Interestelar Sevilla music festival, Feria de la Tapa de Sevilla, Cruces de Mayo neighborhood fiestas, Night of the Museums
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Crowds
Tourist-heavy, with long queues at attractions, crowded streets, and seasonal events adding to the buzz.
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What to pack
Short sleeves, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, light jacket for evenings.
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Seasonal treats
Salmorejo at Triana Market, jasmine-scented desserts, Feria de la Tapa specialties
Plan ahead: must-visit experiences for Seville in May
