Capturing the ‘Spirit of Seville’ (Photos)

Spaniards really know how to live the lush life. In the Andalusian capital of Seville, bull fighting, flamenco dancing, and nights filled with tapas dominate the many traditions that date back over three thousand years. Don Juan and Carmen are both native fictional characters, and the Duchess of Alba is one of their most beloved living figures. The heritage of artists like Diego Velázquez and architectural landmarks such as the Casa de Pilatos add to its distinctively seductive culture where relaxation is considered sacred and the pleasures of life are fully indulged. In April, the city comes alive for two extraordinary events. The week leading up to Easter, or Holy Week, reshapes the entire city into an enormous stage of colorful celebration. Two weeks later, one of the world’s most famous festivals, the Seville April Fair, brings over two million visitors and transforms the city into a massive celebration of history complete with traditional costumes and daily bullfights. This magnificent way of life is captured in Assouline's newest publication, In the Spirit of Seville, written by Seville native Antonio del Junco with a forward by the Duchess of Alba.

Here, young women are dressed in traditional mantillas on Holy Thursday.

Antonio del Junco