Pilar sevillanas fair starts next week
THE NINTH Pilar de la Horadada Sevillanas fair takes place at the municipal fairground from May 5-8.
This year’s event pays homage to Pilar resident Raquel Peña, who has been dancing Sevillanas for 50 years.
The fair will feature performances by the local flamenco and musical groups Raya Real, Voces de España, Alandra, Alba Rociera and Arte Payá, in addition to a fashion parade, pilgrimage and floral offering, plus a total of 30 stands being hosted by various fiesta associations and brotherhoods.
The fair will be inaugurated at 21.30 on Thursday, May 5, with the illumination of the lights and a firework display. Later the jury will be judging the decorated stand contest. This will be followed with the ‘Madrina de la Feria 2022’ (fair maiden of honour 2022) presentation, with performances by the Nadia Marquez flamenco school and at 24.00 there will be a rendition of the hymn Salve Rociera.
From Friday to Sunday the fairground will be open in the morning and evening and will host horse and carriage prothere cessions at different times during the day, as well as children’s activities.
On Friday at 20.00 there will be a performance by La Amistad flamenco group directed by Paqui Samper Navarro, and the Antonio Cuerva flamenco dance academy. This will be followed at 21.30 with a performance by the flamenco group, Alandra and a copla night with Voces de España. At midnight will be a rendition of the Salve Rociera.
On Saturday at 12.00 there will be a Mass in honour of the Virgen del Rocío, accompanied by the Rondalla Viejas Glorias folk music group. At 17.00 there will be a ‘Sevillano Flash Mob’, which will be followed with a fashion parade organised by Pepa Sáez. The afternoon will feature a homage to Raquel Peña. At 20.30 there will be a flamenco fashion parade at the hands of ‘5 flores ceremonia y moda flamenca’ from San Javier, who will be exhibiting their ‘Agua Salada’ collection. Following this it will be the turn of the group, Raya Real to provide the musical entertainment. Following the traditional rendition of the Salve Rociera, the Arte Paya choir will give a performance at 00.50.
Sunday’s activities begin at 11.00 with a pilgrimage (romería) and floral offering to the Virgen del Pilar, which leaves from the fairground and finishes at the Plaza de la Iglesia. The pilgrimage will feature the participation of local dignitaries, residents, visitors, and horse-pulled carriages. At 18.00 the Alba Rociera choir and the dance group Óscar and Elena will give performances.
The fair will draw to a close with a performance by the Ritmo Brillante flamenco dance school.
Councillor for fiestas, Susi Sánchez invited all residents and visitors to enjoy the stands and refreshment area that have been installed in the fairground.