Are you ready to experience one of Spain’s most exciting festivals?
The Feria de Abril in Seville is a celebration of tradition, music, and fun. From flamenco dancing to horseback parades and delicious Andalusian food, there’s something for everyone. You can:
- Enjoy local delicacies like pescaíto frito
- Get caught up in the lively dance performances
- Take part in the bustling fairgrounds and rides
With some tips, you can join the fun at the Feria de Abril and make great memories! Keep reading to learn how to enjoy the festival to the fullest.
1. History of Feria de Abril Festival
Feria de Abril, also known as the Seville April Fair, started in 1846. Two men from northern Spain, José María Ybarra, and Narciso Bonaplata, had the idea to hold a livestock fair in Seville. They asked Queen Isabel II for permission.
She said yes, and the first fair took place on April 18, 1847, at Prado de San Sebastián, just outside the city.
At first, the fair was a place to trade animals. But the next year, people started adding more fun. Three small tents, called casetas, were set up by the Duke and Duchess of Montpensier, the Town Hall, and the Casino of Seville. These tents were used for eating, drinking, and spending time with friends.
By the 1920s, the fair had changed a lot. It became more about music, food, dancing, and celebration. Today, it is one of the biggest and most popular festivals in Spain. Many people come each year to enjoy the fun and traditions.
2. Date and Place of the Feria de Abril Festival
The Feria de Abril (Seville April Fair) is held in Seville, a city in southern Spain. The fair usually starts two weeks after Easter. It begins at midnight on a Saturday and lasts for seven days. It ends on the next Saturday.
Since 1973, the fair has taken place at the Real de la Feria. This is a big open space with 24 blocks. It is about 450,000 square meters in size. The area is between two parts of the city: Los Remedios and Tablada.
In 2012, the fair had 1,048 Casetas. A Caseta is a small tent where people eat, dance, and enjoy time with others. The streets in the fair area are named after famous bullfighters, such as Juan Belmonte and Pascual Márquez.
The fair has a big gate at the entrance. It is called the portada. Workers start building it months before the fair. After the fair ends, it takes several weeks to clean up the area.
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3. Highlights of the Feria de Abril Festival
The Casetas (Tents)
The casetas are an important part of the Feria de Abril. These are tents set up by families, friends, businesses, and political groups. Each tent has bright curtains, lanterns, and flowers.
Inside, people eat food, drink, and enjoy music. Some Casetas are private, while others are open to everyone. People visit these tents to talk, dance, and have fun together.
Horseback Parades (El Paseo de Caballos)
One exciting part of the Feria is the Paseo de Caballos, where horses and carriages move around the fairgrounds. The carriages are decorated beautifully, and even the horses have flowers in their hair. They look amazing and add to the fun of the event.
If you enjoy bullfighting, you will need to buy tickets. Bullfighting has been part of the Feria since the start. If you’re not interested, you won’t notice it because it happens outside the main fairgrounds at the Plaza de Toros. Bullfights are held every day during the Feria.
Sevillanas and Flamenco Dancing
Sevillanas is an important dance in Seville, especially during the Feria. It’s fun to watch and easy to join in. Many visitors first see flamenco through Sevillanas. Some people say Sevillanas isn’t exactly flamenco, but they have similar roots and influences.
Sevillanas is folk music with four verses. It’s usually danced with a partner, and each verse has a slight change in the steps. It’s easy to learn, and you’ll see it all around the Feria.
The dance comes from Andalusia, the region where Seville is. It’s a great way to see local culture and traditions.
The Amusement Park (Calle del Infierno)
At the Feria, you’ll find La Calle del Infierno, also known as Hell’s Road. This area is filled with fun rides, food stalls, and even a circus. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy some free time, especially if you’re visiting with kids.
La Calle del Infierno offers all the typical fair attractions like a Ferris wheel, rollercoasters, sideshows, and fairy floss. It’s one of the most exciting parts of the Feria and takes up a big portion of the fairgrounds.
4. Traditional Costumes at the Feria de Abril Festival
The Feria is not just about fun; it also keeps old traditions alive. One of the best parts of the Feria de Abril is the traditional Spanish clothing. Women wear flamenco dresses with frills, tassels, and flowers.
Men wear smart suits and traditional hats. You can rent or buy an outfit to enjoy the festival like a local.
5. Food & Drinks at the Feria de Abril Festival
The Feria de Abril isn’t just about food, but eating is an important part of the event. You’ll find tents serving typical Spanish tapas, though the prices may be higher than usual.
Saturday night is known as la noche del pescaíto (night of the fish). Fish is the main dish for dinner. The celebrations officially start at midnight when the lights on the portada are turned on.
This moment is called the Alumbrao. People gather to watch the lights and then head to the tents for dinner, staying out late.
On the first day of the Feria, families in the tents enjoy a special meal of pescaíto frito (fried fish). You’ll see this dish served all week, along with other Andalusian favorites like jamón, cheese, and Montaditos (small sandwiches).
Outside the tents, you can buy fun fair foods like cotton candy, donuts, and churros. Inside the tents, try the rebujito. It’s a drink made with manzanilla sherry and lemonade. Don’t forget to eat first to enjoy it! Beer, soft drinks, and some spirits are also available.
What Is the Feria de Abril Festival? A Recap
The Feria de Abril Festival is a fun celebration of Seville’s culture. You can enjoy flamenco dancing, colorful costumes, and tasty food. There’s always something exciting to see, from the lively tents and horseback parades to the delicious tapas.
It’s a great way to spend time with friends and family. The festival lets you experience the traditions of Andalusia. The Feria de Abril is a must-see for anyone visiting Seville!