XI Christmas Market

This year marks the eleventh edition of the annual Christmas Craft Market, to be held in the Plaza Nueva from this Thursday December 16th until the arrival of the Magic Kings on January 5th.

There will be 72 stalls, more than half with artisans from Sevilla, and others featuring crafts from all over Spain.

Let’s hope the weather conditions this year are better. I remember feeling so sorry for everyone during last year’s rainy winter as this must have kept at least some shoppers away. This is my favourite market of the year and, especially at night with the trees all wrapped in pretty Christmas lights, it’s a very festive atmosphere.

Hours: 11.00 – 15.00 / 17.00 – 21.00
Closed the afternoons of 24th & 31st December
Closed all day 25th December and 1st January

5º Feria Ecologica

The fifth Feria Ecologica de Productoros Locales will be held this Saturday in the Alameda de Hércules in Sevilla.

This organic farmer’s fair is being put on to promote a project started by COAG Sevilla called “Revival of the Agricultural Sector through Organic Production”, funded by the European Social Fund through the Biodiversity Foundation. This project includes training courses in organic production and is scheduled to continue until 2013.

The weather forecast is looking good (at least dry!) for Saturday so why not go out and support COAG and also our local producers?

[updated: see photos of the event below]

Also check out the 2nd Gastronomy & Crafts Fair, being held over the next two weekends at the Patio de la Diputación de Sevilla, C/Menendez y Pelayo.

Continue reading “5º Feria Ecologica”

Mercado de la Feria


It’s been years since I visited the Feria Market – the oldest market in Sevilla – and so the other day I stopped by late on a very hot Saturday morning. The market comprises two buildings, separated by a small alleyway, next door to the 13th century Omnium Sanctorum Church on Feria Street. There are the usual displays of fresh fish, meat and produce, as well as a well-stocked florist and some small shops that run along the outside of the market. But for me the biggest attraction is the fabulous market bar that serves up super-fresh fish and seafood tapas. La Cantina is found right next to the church; in fact its terrace incorporates a length of the old church wall. The service is fast & friendly and it’s a great place to stop off for a quick bite. Open during market hours, 7am – 4.30 pm, Monday to Saturday.

La Cantina

Despensa de la Marquesa

Recently moved from its original location near the Campana, the new Despensa de la Marquesa opened its doors last night with a lovely party. This gourmet food & wine shop also serves tapas and does take-away. You will find everything from coffees, teas & Belgian chocolates to exquisite cheeses, pâtés and jamón serrano, along with a wide selection of wines. César also offers a catering service and makes up very original gift baskets.

Joaquín Guichot, 12
(near Plaza Nueva)
Tel.954 564 168
Open 9.00 – midnight
Closed Sunday in summer

La Azotea Vinos & Más

Just across the street from La Azotea restaurant is the newly opened Azotea gourmet food and wine shop. Here you can find a wide selection of wines, with an emphasis on Andalucian and Californian wines, which can also be purchased for consumption in the restauraunt (no corkage fee). Food includes cheese, delicatessen, olive oils, vinegars, sauces and other specialities from around the world. Fresh bread from the restaurant is also available, including special fruit breads such as strawberry and mango.

There are monthly catas (wine tastings) that are free of charge and feature a selection of wines available in the shop. And coming soon: specially hosted wine tasting events – call to get put on the mailing list.

Opening hours are the same as the restaurant so that diners can easily purchase the some of the foods and wines they have enjoyed during their meals. And as always, Jeanine & Juan – and their excellent staff – are on hand to provide you with information and advice about their products.

Jesús del Gran Poder, 44
Tel. 955 11 67 48
Open: 12.00 – 15.00 / 20.00 – 23.00
Closed Sunday & Monday