Feria de Abril 2017 – Seville’s Famous Spring Fair

Feria de Abril 2017 – A Highlight Festival of Seville’s Social Calendar:

Feria de Abril by E.Tarwinski/Wiki

Two weeks after Easter, life in Seville swings across the Canal de Alfonso XIII to the fairground of the Feria de Abril. Seville’s annual Spring Festival takes place in the Los Remedios area, south-west of the city. After the week-long sombre observation of Semana Santa (Holy Week), Feria de Abril comes as a joyous relief for the people of Seville. During this week-long event of fun and festivities, there’s music and dancing, bullfighting, horse riding, not to mention the cattle fair.

Feria de Abril

The Feria Seville started as a livestock trading fair in 1847 when Queen Isabel II gave her approval for two town councillors to organize this fair. Over the years it grew and evolved into one of the most popular Seville festivals.

There are over  1,000 private and public “casetas”.  These brightly coloured tents are hosted by various groups, including the aristocratic Sevillan families, neighbourhood groups, clubs, trade associations and political parties. Some of these marquees are accessible by “invitation-only”. However there are the larger casetas that are open to the public. This is where you can go to  enjoy a meal, drink and the entertainment. Pretty much like the Oktoberfest tents in Munich, you choose a tent that has the right feel for you.

Tips:
1. Wear comfortable shoes and ones that you don’t mind getting dirty.

Flamenco in Seville

2. It is traditional for women to wear the flamenca dress. However, if you don’t fancy buying one, you can make do by wearing a flower in your hair, flamenca earings and give your outfit a bit of a flamenco touch.

3. The fairground is huge, spreading over 15 streets and 26 blocks. Make sure you know your bearings and where to meet should you get separated from your group.

Feria Sevilla Events

Most Sevillanos take a week’s holiday during Feria Seville. If you’re travelling to Seville during Feria de Abril, be aware that the city will be extremely busy. Feria de Abril is a round-the-clock week-long Seville festival. Daily events include a midday parade of horses and decorated carriages making their way through the city to the fairgrounds.

Breeders and bullfighters meet at the Plaza de Toros de Maestranza which comes to life every afternoon at 5:30 pm. The bullfights during Feria Seville are considered the best ones of the bullfighting season. The top toreros from all over Spain come to show off their skill here. As night falls and more people pour into the fairgrounds, the atmosphere transforms into a giant funfair. Flamenco music and chatter fill the tents as people eat, drink and dance the night away.

Feria de Abril is the highlight of Seville’s social calendar and Sevillanos dress up in their finery for the occasion. Lord Byron once said “Seville is a pleasant city, famous for oranges and women”.  You’ll most certainly see very attractive Sevillanas at the Feria Sevilla . The women are dressed in colourful flamenco-style dresses called “farales”. The men wear the traditional “traje de corto” (short jacket, tight trousers and boots).

Feria de Abril is increasingly becoming an international attraction with more visitors attending this Seville festival. If you’re planning on joining in the fun, be sure to book your Seville hotel early.

Event: Feria de Abril 2017
Dates: April 30 – May 6, 2017
Venue: Los Remedios, Seville

See more Seville info HERE.

Map of Seville:

Things to do in Seville

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