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Another aspect that is representative of our city is its long tradition of commerce which has been developed and maintained over the centuries.
Seville is known for its craft industry, primarily excelling in ceramics and pottery. The earliest examples date back to the Neolithic period, although it was during the Muslim period when the city acquired its own personality, later enriched by classical styles, techniques and formulas. Thus one can find decorative motifs of Islamic origin, classical Italian designs from the 16th C, as well as baroque details from the 18th C.
Production of artistic ceramics is located in the Triana neighborhood and began during the Islamic period. Hispano-Muslim artists contributed glazing techniques and its application in architecture: facades, floors, panels and roofs. The Mudéjars later adopted oriental techniques which remained as the basis for the local style. Mosaics and tiles soon carried such motifs which were hand painted. Today, surprisingly many of these ornaments continue to be the main decorating features found in various streets, buildings, patios, as well as in wineries or restaurants in our city.
The rich soils of the Guadalquivir valley over time has provided clay for the production of typical items which are often more functional than decorative, such as cántaros (pitchers) or botijos (earthenware drinking jug).
One must note the renowned craft industry of the La Cartuja factory, a company which was founded by Charles Pickman in 1839.
Seville continues today to maintain a wide network of establishments where one can purchase a variety of handicrafts made with the same care and dedication as in centuries past. Some examples of Sevillian craftmanship include: mantones (shawls), mantillas (lace mantilla), bordados (embroidery), encajes (lace), abanicos (fans), musical instruments, leather works, trajes de flamenca (traditional flamenco dress).
Mantones are typically worn in Seville for special events that take place at night, seen often during the Feria or at many weddings.
Mantillas are also worn traditionally in Seville, especially during Holy Week when women dress up on Holy Thursday and Good Friday. Bridesmaids also wear them often at weddings. Even brides are know to wear mantillas instead of the traditional veil.
Many of the abanicos (fans) seen being used in Seville are hand painted. The traje de flamenco today is still an important traditional attire which includes wearing items such as earrings, broaches, shoes, peinetas (combs) to complete the outfit.
Handicrafts are closely tied to the Holy Week. Thanks to this feast many craft professions are still maintained. This is the case of embroidery in gold, metal craftsmanship, woodwork, statue making, wax chandlery. Noteworthy are the small decorative religious statues handcrafted during these dates.
Aside from handicrafts which are characteristic of our city, Seville has become an important fashion center over the last few years. The city is proud of local designers such as Victorio y Lucchino or Toni Benítez, members of the Seville Fashion Association (ASEMOS) and the Andalusian Center for Fashion (CAM). Recently other renowned firms have located here such as in the case of Adolfo Domínguez, Roberto Verino, Loewe and an unending number of shops housed in modern shopping centers located throughout the city.
The traditional outdoor markets (mercadillos) remain open and on certain days of the week visitors can find all types of objects, ranging from valuable antiques, to used goods, stamps, animals and hand made crafts in general.
The most popular mercadillos are: El Jueves (Thursday market), which as its name indicates is set up on Thursday, on calle Feria (Feria Street). There is also the Mecadillo del Charco de la Pava (on the Isla de la Cartuja), which is open on Saturday and on Sunday we have various: the Mercadillo del Parque Alcosa, the animal market located on Juan Carlos I Ave, a market for trading of stamps and coins.
All of the above make up a complete and varied range of shopping possibilities; fruit of diverse cultures who over time have developed Seville. Such variety of cultures that have passed through our city have molded our long commercial tradition, shaping our local style and personality.
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