On a night like October 31, Seville manages, like few other cities, to blend in with American customs while embracing tradition. Halloween, the eve of All Saints’ Day, is much more than just trick-or-treating, and “La Noche del Tenorio” is proof of that.
The Philosophy and Letters Tuna of the University of Seville is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a free outdoor event that takes in the locations linked to the legend of Don Juan Tenorio.
The tradition began in 1976, when the group’s refounders, eager to get out and about, met at the Hostería del Laurel to commemorate Zorrilla’s character. Fifty years have passed since then, and the event continues to draw large crowds to the Santa Cruz neighborhood every year.
It won’t be the only event centered on this literary character. Seville’s cemetery will host its traditional candlelit tour, and there will be performances at San Luis de los Franceses through November 7.
The “La Noche del Tenorio” itinerary, hour by hour
In keeping with tradition, the tour begins at the Hostería del Laurel, located in the Plaza de los Venerables. At this location, at 8:00 p.m., the tuna will pay tribute to Zorrilla’s play, a farce written by our brother Eduardo Maestre.
Afterward, they perform several songs and set off in a parade toward the Plaza de los Refinadores. The organizers recommend arriving early, as the venue fills up every year.
The tour continues with a parade to the Plaza de los Refinadores around 9:00 p.m. There, in front of the monument to Don Juan Tenorio, the tuna performs for the audience.
The tuna leads the group to the Plaza de Santa Marta around 9:00 p.m., near the Plaza de la Virgen de los Reyes. According to legend, this is where Don Juan Tenorio abducted Doña Inés. Several members recite a series of sonnets and conclude the event with more songs.
50 years of this musical tradition on October 31
This year’s poster was designed by Ana Janeiro Álvarez, a graduate of the University of Seville’s Fine Arts program who is currently pursuing her Ph.D.
With this edition, the University of Seville’s Philosophy and Letters Tuna commemorates half
a century of “La Noche del Tenorio,” celebrating the value of cultural and
university traditions and their connection to Seville’s historical and literary heritage.
In the group’s announcement, they invite “Sevillians and visitors alike to join them in this celebration, which will once again transform the squares of the historic center into stages for music, spoken word, and the evocation of one of the most universal characters in Spanish literature.”
