Feria de Abril in Seville

Spain as a nation seem to adore celebrating, with a fiesta taking place somewhere in the country every single day of the year. One of the greatest of these is the Feria de Abril in the Andalusian capital city of Seville, a week long spectacular of dance, music and tradition.

The Feria de Abril takes place around a fortnight after Semana Santa (Easter) and has a history dating back to 1857. The origin of the Feria was an annual cattle market located at Prado de Sebastien, however as interest in the fair grew, and the event turned its focus from commerce to having fun, new grounds had to be adopted. In 1973, the Feria moved to its current grounds at the el Barrio de los Remedios close to the river Guadalquivir.

The Feria de Abril experience is one that draws more than one million participants, both local and international. Officially opening at midnight, crowds flock to the ceremonial switching-on of the lights which signals the beginning of party time. A favourite meal on the first night of celebrations is fried fish, which is paired with manzanilla or fino sherry.

One of the first things a visitor to the Feria de Abril will notice is the casetas : curtained tents which party goers use for drinking, dancing, eating and socialising. The majority of these casetas are private and very exclusive, and it is a great privilege to have the honour of being invited to enter one. Those who can’t afford the luxury of a private tent join in the fun at larger community casetas which have a wonderful lively atmosphere.

The casetas form a focal point for the Feria de Abril, but are by no means the only attraction. A funfair, with all the usual games and rides that you’d expect is a magnet for thrill-seekers of all ages and during the daytime, bull-fighting shows take place, and locals parade the streets on horseback.

And of course, a trip to the Feria de Abril would not be complete without dancing a few Sevillanas. Although often incorrectly described as Flamenco, Sevillanas is a distinct local dance style which has its own movements and rules. Both men and women dress up in flamboyant“gypsy” clothing to participate in the dances – flowing, multi-tiered dresses, shawls and hair-combs for the women and suits for men.

The Feria de Abril is a truly unique experience, and one that makes it worth planning a trip to Seville to coincide with the event. Don’t forget to pack your dancing shoes, and book well in accommodation well in advance to avoid disappointment.