We have previously talked about the spring fairs in Cádiz and this time we are going to talk about the spring festival par excellence that is celebrated in Seville, the “Feria de Abril”.
Once Holy Week is over, one of the most important and special weeks of the year arrives for the Sevillians.
Seville is filled with flamenco and the aroma of “pescaíto frito” (fried fish) which can be enjoyed in the “casetas” (stalls) of the Real. There is also the joy of the Sevillians, which is an ingredient that is never lacking in the Andalusian capital during the days of the fair.
The “Feria de Abril” in Seville is much more than just a festival; it is a unique cultural experience that attracts visitors from all over the world to discover this distinctive fiesta.
History and cultural significance
This celebration has its roots in the mid-19th century, when some businessmen founded a livestock and agricultural fair. With the passing of time, it was transformed into the festival we know today, with stalls, music, attractions and Sevillian gastronomy.
Accommodation and mobility in the “Feria de Abril“
It is recommended to book accommodation in advance, as the demand during the fair is very high. On our website you can find the ideal holiday rentals for a more authentic experience.
To get to the fairgrounds, it is best to use public transport, which will make it easier for you to get to the fairgrounds, whether by bus, tram or metro.
When does the Seville Fair take place?
There is no fixed date. It is usually held between 7 and 14 days after Easter. Therefore, Seville is always recommended to travel in April. To find out the exact dates, it is best to visit the official website of the Seville City Council in advance.
How long does the fair last?
The “Feria de Abril” lasts a week. The opening night, known as the “sábado del alumbrao“, marks the official start, with the lighting at midnight of “La portada Real” of the fairgrounds, which is a moment full of illusions and emotions for the Sevillians. This is also the famous “pescaíto night”, when the traditional dish of “pescaíto frito” (fried fish) is eaten in the “casetas” (stalls). The fair culminates the following Saturday at midnight, with a fireworks display by the Guadalquivir river. If you are looking for a good place to see it, an ideal place is the Triana bridge and its surroundings.
What are the best days of the fair?
Any day is ideal to enjoy the atmosphere, however, weekends and the “pescaíto night” are usually the busiest times. The fairgrounds are usually open from midday until the early hours of the morning. During the day, the atmosphere is more familiar and quiet, perfect for a ride on a horse-drawn carriage. At night, the fairground is transformed by the illumination of more than 200,000 light bulbs, and the party goes on until the early hours of the morning.
Where does the Fair take place?
The “Feria de Abril” is located in the district of Los Remedios, in an enclosure called “Real de la Feria”, with a structure of streets illuminated with “farolillos” named after famous Sevillian bullfighters, except for the one known as “Calle del Infierno”, all these streets are home to around a thousand “casetas”, a limited number for years due to the impossibility of installing more.
The ground of these streets is covered with albero, a yellowish earth that is also used in city parks and bullrings.
The entrance to the site is “La portada del Real de la Feria”, a large structure through which visitors enter. Each year it is dedicated to a monument of the city or in commemoration of an event.
What are the “casetas” of the Seville Fair?
The “casetas”, set up all over the site, are covered with white and red or green striped awnings. In them, people dance and enjoy the gastronomy accompanied by a good fino or manzanilla wine. Most of these casetas are private and can only be accessed by invitation or in the company of a Sevillian who has access. However, there are also public casetas, which can be entered without a ticket or accreditation.
How to dress for the Seville Fair?
Although it is ideal to wear flamenco dresses in the case of women and traditional suits for men, it is not a prerequisite. If you don’t have a suit, you can rent one in different places in the city. However, if you prefer not to rent one, opt for an elegant outfit with a flamenco touch, such as fringes, floral prints or ruffles.
Please note that, according to the experts, women should never wear flowers in their hair unless they are dressed in flamenco costume.
Be careful, on the night of the first Saturday, known as “pescaíto” Saturday, it is not traditional to wear a flamenco dress. And another thing to bear in mind: the “albero”, the yellowish earth that covers the ground, stains, so it is best to avoid long dresses.
What can you eat during the Seville Fair?
Many stalls offer a wide variety of dishes and drinks, both during the day and at night. From marinated dogfish, Iberian ham, to prawns from Huelva. To accompany the food, you can’t miss a glass of wine or “rebujito”, a drink made with manzanilla wine and lime or soda, garnished with mint leaves and lots of ice. And when leaving the fair, a stop at the Plaza de los Buñuelos to enjoy churros or buñuelos with hot chocolate is the perfect way to end the party.
We hope that with this article you will have a more concrete idea of what the Seville Fair is and that you will be encouraged to enjoy this experience.
