The Feria de Abril in Seville is, without a doubt, one of the highlights of the cultural agenda not only of the city but of the entire country. It's an incredible time of year to be in Andalucía, and we encourage you to take advantage of it and experience the Feria for yourself! For this very reason, Enforex schools stay open all year round. That way, if you want to study Spanish in Seville, you can do so while also discovering this wonderful celebration of music, food, flamenco and life!
While there's nothing quite like experiencing this celebration for yourself, read on for all sorts of background information about the Feria de Abril.
When and Where is the Feria de Abril?
Two weeks after the processions of Semana Santa come to an end, the atmosphere brims with the color, music, and merriment of the Feria de Abril. Given that Easter itself is a moveable feast, the dates of the April fair of Seville are not fixed, either, although you can be certain that it will take place sometime between the first week of April and the beginning of May. Meant as a tribute of sorts to the arrival of spring, similar fairs are held all over the country during the early days of the blossoming season. Nevertheless, Seville's is the undisputed king of them all.
Feria de Abril Traditions
With the quick flick of a switch, over 22,000 bulbs bathe Seville's expansive fairgrounds in joyful light. This first night of the April fair of Seville, the Alumbrao, features the brilliant lights adorning the fairgrounds and the massive main gate – designed and constructed anew each year – as they flicker to life for the first time of the year, marking the beginning of a week of dancing, music, and basking in the joyous Sevillian culture. This week also sees the best bullfights of the season, so be sure to bring your white handkerchief and follow the Sevillians to the Maestranza bullring. ¡Olé!
Pass through the towering gate into the festive realm of the Feria de Abril and you'll see over 1000 striped casetas (tents) lining both sides of the streets. These casetas constitute an intrinsic part of the tradition of the fair and give the celebration its particular color – quite literally! Owned by groups of friends, families, organizations, or political parties, they serve as miniature homes, intimately decorated by their owners and equipped with a kitchen, a bar, and tables and chairs for enjoying scrumptious tapas and wine.
The lively songs coming from within each caseta during the April fair of Seville are sevillanas, four-part songs with accompanying four-part dances that Sevillians begin learning as soon as they take their first steps as children. The bright, polka-dotted flamenco dresses of the women, the men on horseback donning traditional clothing of farm-workers, and groups getting out of adorned horse-drawn carriages complete the atmosphere with a unique air of tradition that the cheerful Sevillians are happy to show off.
Instead of slowly winding down, the Feria de Abril concludes with a literal bang as fireworks launch into the sky in Seville's spectacular fireworks display.
History of the Feria de Abril
The Feria de Abril certainly didn't begin as the sensational fiesta we see today. Instead of polka-dot dresses swirling to lively music there was cattle. It began in 1847 as a livestock and agriculture fair, evolving over the years into a purely Sevillian tradition. Erected tents, which eventually led to the casetas lining the current grounds, served to keep businessmen cool beneath the scorching sun, and small food stands slowly began setting up camp at the fairgrounds.
Soon, Sevillians began flocking to the fair, and in their larger-than-life manner made it their own. Eventually, the livestock stalls phased out and the festival began to turn more and more into an occasion to eat, drink, dance, and have a fantastic time. As a result, the Feria de Abril grew exponentially over the years, to the point where the original fairgrounds just weren't big enough. These days, the April fair of Seville boasts its own fairgrounds, specifically allocated for the celebration and used only during this special week.
FAQs
Overall, two days in Seville is enough to see the main sights including the Real Alcazar, Plaza de Espana, and Cathedral and Giralda. There are plenty of things to do in Seville to keep you occupied for at least 48 hours. I loved my time in Seville and could easily see myself returning and spending longer in the city.
What is the purpose of La Feria de Sevilla? ›
It was originally created as a livestock fair, where farmers and merchants from all over Andalusia would come to Seville to sell and trade their animals. However, over time, the fair evolved into a celebration of Andalusian culture, music, and food, and it became one of the most important events of the year in Seville.
Is 2 days in Seville enough? ›
Two days is a great amount of time to hit the highlights of Seville. You can squeeze in the main Seville attractions, plenty of food and great nightlife if you have two full days and three nights. Two days should really be the minimum amount of time you plan to spend in Seville.
Is 4 days in Seville too much? ›
In four days you have more than enough time to see important places such as the Cathedral, the Giralda, the Alcázar and the Cartuja, but the key is to organise your itinerary well.
How long is enough in Seville? ›
Although Seville is relatively small, you should plan to spend at least two to three days visiting its major landmarks, catching flamenco shows, and indulging in tapas to your heart's content.
Is 1 day in Seville enough? ›
As I said, 1 day isn't much time to see Seville but it is enough to see the best things the city has to offer.
What do they eat at Feria de Abril? ›
The men usually ride on horses or driving carriages with their family. At feria de abril they eat traditinal spanish food and drinks here are some of them: calamares con salsa ali-oli (fried squid with garlic sauce) ● fried prawns ● red mullets ● Clams ● Jamón tis is a type of ham it comes with sheep chese.
What happens at La Feria de Sevilla? ›
It is a spring festival held annually in Seville, where the public gathers in a large enclosure called the Real de la Feria, with flamenco and Sevillian costumes, streets with ephemeral booths, decorated with lanterns, through which riders and horse-drawn carriages circulate and through which some 500,000 visitors pass ...
Is Feria de Abril religious? ›
Coming two weeks after Semana Santa, the big religious festival leading up to Easter, the fair is an almost pagan celebration of spring, and is all about having a good time.
Which is better Granada or Seville? ›
Granada or Seville: The Verdict
Granada is the choice for travelers seeking a deep dive into Moorish history and architecture coupled with mountain views. With its vibrant festivals, flamenco traditions, and extensive culinary scene, Seville is perfect for those craving cultural immersion and urban energy.
Maybe the most famous things about Seville are the flamenco festival and bullfighting. Flamenco dresses can be bought in every souvenir shop, as well as paintings of dancers and toreadors.
Is 3 days in Seville too much? ›
Three days in Seville is enough to see all the main attractions. You can spend the first two days sightseeing the famous monuments and the last day wandering around the city. If you have an extra day or two, I recommend going on day trips to Cordoba, Granada, or other nearby towns.
What to avoid in Seville? ›
Seville's dangerous neighborhoods
In the Andalusian capital, the areas that can be defined as dangerous are: El Vacie, Las 3000 Viviendas, Los Pajaritos, and Polígono Norte. We recommend you don't rent a room or an apartment in one of these areas.
Why is Seville so rich? ›
Economy of Sevilla. Modern Sevilla is the most important inland port of Spain. The port's principal exports are wines, fruit, olives, cork, and minerals. Its imports include oil, coal, and metallurgical products, which serve the Guadalquivir valley and other areas of Andalusia.
Is Seville safe to walk at night? ›
But is Seville also safe by night? Absolutely! As Seville still is somewhat of a small city, you can go anywhere by foot and you will rarely experience anything scary. So if you're looking to go out for dinner or have a drink, or you feel like having a night time stroll, don't hesitate to do so!
How many nights do you need in Seville? ›
Discover the best of Seville
Spend three days for the perfect mix of sightseeing and slowing down to really enjoy the culture. I believe it's a perfect amount of time to see everything. By giving yourself three days in Seville there is no need to rush any one thing.
Is it safe to walk alone in Seville at night? ›
Most areas are safe to walk around even at night, but it always helps to stay within the well-lit and populated areas. Local authorities are usually helpful in case of any problems. Seville is currently ranked #32 safest place for solo female travellers.
Should I stay in Sevilla or Cordoba? ›
Seville is more popular for its theatre productions, shopping, and big city activities, while Cordoba is known for its historical sights. Seville is popular for its Moorish and Islamic architecture, its colorful Flamenco dancing, and its local tapas and wine. It is also home to the Real Alcázar.
Is 3 nights in Seville enough? ›
Three days in Seville is enough to see all the main attractions. You can spend the first two days sightseeing the famous monuments and the last day wandering around the city. If you have an extra day or two, I recommend going on day trips to Cordoba, Granada, or other nearby towns.
