2026 marks the centenary of the birth of Cayetana Fitz-James Stuart, a figure whose name is inextricably linked with the history and culture of Seville. During this period, Semana Santa once again prompts discussion of the Alba family’s traditions, which continue to be upheld by the descendants of the renowned aristocrat. Palacio de Dueñas, the city’s architectural gem, brings together family members and close friends to preserve the rituals established decades ago.
Cayetana Fitz-James Stuart’s family goes beyond formal participation in religious processions. Every year on Viernes Santo, the palace hosts a special lunch featuring paella and traditional sweets such as torrijas. This gathering has become an integral part of Semana Santa for the Alba family, and Palacio de Dueñas is the place where these traditions find renewed meaning. On Jueves Santo, heirs gather to welcome religious images, sing the saeta, and remember the departed family matriarch.
Memory and rituals
Cayetana Fitz-James Stuart’s story is closely tied to Hermandad de los Gitanos. It was here that she found spiritual support and made a lasting impact, helping the brotherhood not only morally but also financially. During difficult times for Hermandad, Cayetana provided storage for church items in a corner of the palace and donated a new cloak for the Virgen, adorned with the family crest. In 2009, she funded the creation of silver elements for the paso, a significant event for the brotherhood.
Cayetana paid special attention to those taking part in the processions. On the night of Viernes Santo, the kitchen doors of Palacio de Dueñas opened for the costaleros, who were served revitalizing dishes: croquetas, a variety of canapés, tortilla de patatas. Traditional sweets were also offered — pestiños, tocino de cielo, torrijas. This custom has endured even after her passing, highlighting the family’s sense of continuity and shared values.
Connection with the city
Seville has always regarded Cayetana Fitz-James Stuart as one of its foremost figures. Her presence at the Feria de Abril and meetings with renowned guests such as Jackie Kennedy and princesa Grace de Mónaco made her known far beyond Spain. However, it was during Semana Santa that another side of her character emerged — her deep commitment to religious and local traditions. After Cayetana’s death, her remains were placed in the Santuario de los Gitanos, beside Señor de la Salud and Virgen de las Angustias, symbolizing her connection to the brotherhood and the city.
In 2026, marking the centenary of Cayetana Fitz-James Stuart’s birth, her memory remains especially vivid. According to russpain.com, the annual gatherings of the Alba family at Palacio de Dueñas and their participation in Semana Santa show how deeply they value their roots and traditions. In this context, it’s interesting to compare Easter celebrations in other prominent Spanish families — for example, how the royal family opts for privacy during these days. You can read more about this in the article about Queen Letizia and her daughters’ Easter holidays.
Personality and legacy
Cayetana Fitz-James Stuart’s contribution to the development of Seville’s cultural and religious traditions is hard to overestimate. Her support for the Hermandad de los Gitanos, involvement in city festivities, and attention to the details of family rituals made her a figure whose influence is still felt years after her passing. The Alba family continues to follow her example, preserving unique customs and strengthening their ties with the city that has become their second home.
Cayetana Fitz-James Stuart, better known as the duquesa de Alba, was one of the most prominent aristocrats in 20th-century Spain. She spent her life between Madrid and Seville, where she became a symbol of the city’s culture and religious traditions. Thanks to her efforts, the Hermandad de los Gitanos received not only material support but also a new status in society. After Cayetana’s death, her name remains closely linked to preserving historical values and family traditions, while Palacio de Dueñas continues to be a place where past and present meet each year during Semana Santa.
