Every spring, just after the Semana Santa (Holy Week) processions wind down, the city of Seville puts on its most festive attire for one of Spain’s most iconic celebrations: La Feria de Abril. It’s not just a fair, it’s a dazzling blend of tradition, passion, music, and joy that transforms the city into a living painting of Andalusian culture.

What is La Feria de Abril?

La Feria de Abril (April Fair) is a week-long festival held in Seville, typically two weeks after Easter. What began in 1847 as a humble livestock fair has evolved into a full-blown cultural phenomenon, drawing locals and visitors from around the world into a whirlwind of flamenco, color, and community.

The fairgrounds, known as El Real de la Feria, become a small city of their own, complete with rows of colorful tents called casetas, bright paper lanterns overhead, and people dressed to the nines in traditional traje corto (short jackets and riding pants) and traje de flamenca (flamenco dresses).

From Daylight to Dawn

The Feria officially begins with the “Alumbrao”, a spectacular moment when thousands of light bulbs on the grand entrance gate are switched on, bathing the night in golden light and signaling the start of the festivities. From that point on, the fair is non-stop.

By day, horse-drawn carriages parade through the streets, riders and passengers alike wearing elegant traditional attire. You’ll hear the rhythmic clapping of flamenco, the strum of Spanish guitars, and the clip-clop of horseshoes on cobblestones. By night, the fairground pulses with laughter, music, and dancing that lasts until the early hours.

Inside the Casetas

Each caseta is like its own party — a private tent often owned by families, businesses, or organizations. Inside, people gather to eat, drink, and dance sevillanas, a regional folk dance full of passion and precision. While many casetas are private, there are a few public ones where anyone can join the fun, making the spirit of the Feria accessible to all.

Food, Flamenco, and Festivity

No Andalusian celebration would be complete without incredible food and drink. Traditional fare includes pescaíto frito (fried fish), jamón ibérico, and refreshing rebujito — a cocktail made of sherry and lemon soda, perfect for sipping as the sun blazes overhead.

Music is the heart of the Feria. Whether it’s a spontaneous burst of sevillanas in a caseta or a formal performance by a flamenco troupe, the rhythm never stops. It’s impossible not to get swept up in emotion and energy.

A Cultural Must-See

Experiencing La Feria de Abril is like stepping into a dream where culture, tradition, and celebration collide. It’s not just a party — it’s an expression of Andalusian identity, a place where old customs are proudly kept alive and joy is shared openly.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned sevillano, the Feria has something magical to offer. So next April, don your best flamenco attire, raise a glass of rebujito, and dance your way into one of Spain’s most unforgettable festivals.

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