Jacarandas in Seville

Jacarandas in Seville: A Magical Bloom in May

If you visit Seville in May, the jacarandas will surprise you. These tall trees completely cover themselves in blue and lilac flowers, filling the city with color in full spring.

Their scientific name is Jacaranda mimosifolia, quite easy to remember compared to many others. These trees transform streets and parks into an unforgettable landscape.

Originally from South America (Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina), jacarandas grow quickly and reach heights between six and ten meters. Beyond their beauty, they inspire stories and legends.

A Legend from Argentina

A popular tale tells the story of Pilar, a young Spanish woman who fell in love with Mbareté, an indigenous man from Corrientes. Her father opposed the relationship and, in a fit of anger, killed them. When he returned to the site, he found no bodies. Instead, a tree covered in blue flowers had appeared. According to legend, God turned Mbareté into the strong trunk and Pilar’s blue eyes into delicate blossoms.

How the jacarandas arrived in Seville

Local tradition says a diplomat first brought jacarandas as a gift. He had been scolded for cutting a rose in María Luisa Park and promised to bring a tree that would bloom abundantly as compensation. That’s how jacarandas became part of Seville’s charm.

Where to See Jacarandas in Seville

Some of the oldest jacarandas grow in María Luisa Park, especially near Plaza de América. You can also admire them in the Alcázar gardens, near the Puerta de Marchena. There, the violet jacarandas mingle with bougainvillea, cypresses, and orange trees. Against the Andalusian sky, the colors create a magical scene.

On the “Essential Seville” tour, if you come in May, I’d love to show you that place 🙂

✨ Travel tip: Visit Seville between May and early June. This is when the jacarandas reach their peak bloom.