Las Carreritas en Pilas

Introduction and local significance

Las Carreritas in Pilas is a traditional festival that commemorates the Resurrection of Jesus in the Sevillian town of Pilas. Declared a Festival of Regional Tourist Interest, this celebration has its main dates set in the official calendar from 29 March to 5 April 2026. The festival stands out for its strong devotional and popular character, bringing together locals and visitors for the religious acts organised during Holy Week and Easter Sunday.

Historical origins and tradition

The celebration originates from the re-enactment of the meeting between the Virgin of Belén and the Risen Jesus in the town's Plaza Mayor. In the past, the festive events began on Holy Saturday with the Solemn Resurrection Function, known as "Rompevelo" (Veil Breaking), the burning of Judas and the transfer of the "Niño Dios" (Child God). The structure of the festival underwent changes following the liturgical reforms promoted by Pius XII in 1956 and by the Second Vatican Council. Among the traditional elements, a highlight is the moment when, after tipping the banners of the two brotherhoods in the Plaza Mayor, the two floats run to meet in a symbolic embrace. On the Monday after Easter Sunday, young people used to go to the Plaza de Belén to burn the remains of the fireworks in what was called the "Lunes de Estopines" (Monday of Squibs).

Programme and main events

The festivities include various processions and liturgical acts from the end of March to the beginning of April. Among the most outstanding moments are the "La Borriquita" event, the processions of "El Cautivo", "Belén" and "La Soledad", as well as the long-awaited departure of the floats of the Niño de Dios and the Virgin of Belén. The highlight of the celebration is reached with the staging of Las Carreritas in the Plaza Mayor, followed by the Virgin's return procession to the chapel and the traditional Suasta de Claveles (Auction of Carnations). To see the exact times for each day in detail, it is recommended to consult the official programme available for this edition.

Traditional festival food

During the processional routes and the Virgin's journey towards the Plaza Mayor, it is a long-standing tradition to hand out typical garrapiñadas (candied, sugar-coated nuts). These sweets were responsible for accompanying those who participated in the Virgin's route to the Plaza Mayor.

Visitor guide and where to stay

To attend Las Carreritas in Pilas, it is advisable to take into account the planned alterations to the transport network and access points. On Tuesday 31 March and Friday 3 April, there will be changes to bus lines and stops between 09:00 and 14:00, as well as in the afternoon. From Saturday 4 April until the night of Sunday 5 April, buses heading towards Villamanrique-Sevilla will modify their usual route via the Hinojo road, with stops on Calle Párroco Vicente Moya and Calle Santa María La Mayor being out of service. In addition, a special zone is provided in the municipality for residents with severe mobility problems, whose requests must be processed in advance at the Town Hall. It is advisable to book accommodation in advance, either in the municipality itself or in nearby towns, and to opt for public transport or parking outside the town centre on the days with the highest turnout.