The April “Feria” is one of the most famous festivals in the world. It started out in 1846, and has since become the emblematic fiesta of Seville – where, for one intense week, it becomes the center of life of sevillanos.

The Seville council installs the “Municipal House” and the festival starts with the gathering of members, and the “cena del pescaíto” (“The Fish Supper“). With the “alumbrao” (“lighting“), the mayor turns on all the lights, officially opening the week. The entrance front of the fair commemorates a monument in the city – this year they are celebrating with a Barrio de Los Remedios, an area made up of three parts: “Real de la Feria,” “Calle del Infierno” (an attraction park) y Aparcamientos.

In the Real de la Feria there will be constructed over 1000 tents – and in the Calle del Infierno, there will be more than 400 activities. Throughout the day, horses festooned with period dress walk up and down the streets – the only permitted mode of transport, with the exception of security. And at night, the drink flows, accompanied by the sounds of the sevillana music – in a mixture of themes, such as the feria, Holy Week, famous people, bull-fighting, Seville, lovers. Huge crowds get together and sing and dance unashamedly, celebrating everything that the festival represents.

The biggest element of the April Feria is the music, as well as the vibrant, eye-catching traditional Sevillian dress. But the food is also great – simple, delicious dishes such as prawns, cheese, hams, and the famous Spanish tortilla. All of which is washed down with some of the Feria’s famous types of sherry- fino and manzanilla (camomile). Also on offer is the “rebujito,” a soft drink which mixes camomile, soda water and lime, as well as different types of beer and non-alcoholic drinks.

As the festival goes on, the nights get longer, and on the Saturday, all the lights stay illuminated until 6 in the morning. Some of the spaces don’t admit entrance without an invitation – but in general, visitors to the fair are free to wander where they like. And you are always welcome at the information tent, which is just next to the main entrance, where you’ll find a programme, and a map of the fair.

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This year, the fiesta kicks off on the 3rd of May, and finishes on the 8th. If you were thinking about visiting the famous April Feria, why not rent  apartments in Seville – it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience.

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Translated by: Poppy
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From 28th March to 3rd May Seville will celebrate one of the most popular holidays of Andalucia, the Seville Spring Fair or La Feria de Abril. It is a very ancient tradition, with over 150 years of history. In the month of August 1846, two men Narciso Boneplata and José María de Ybarra – curiously one Basque and one Catalan–, asked for the guarantee of an annual celebration for the city of Seville. The Mayor said yes and so from this time the famous Seville Spring Fair was born.

Since that time it has become one of the most emblematic holidays of Andalucia, and along with the Holy Week, it is now the centre of gatherings for Seville’s citizens and tourists. For one week, la tertulia, friends, dancing, eating, drinking and the desire to have fun will became the centre of Seville life.

As with every year, the holiday starts with the ceremony of Illumination, illuminating the forty metre high main gate. This tradition is named “Enlightened Monday”. This holiday lasts one week from Monday to Sunday and starts with a fish dinner and lasts for seven days. On the last day which is Sunday, there will be the bullfighting and the fireworks display.

The highlight of the holiday is a miniature reproduction of the city of Seville and it will be placed in the district of “Los Remedios”. Their streets are named after famous bullfighters such as Curro Romero, Joselito El Gallo and Ricardo Torres “Bombita”. All of this is added to the typical little houses called casetas or marquees that the citizens build a few days before the holidays, with many floral and colored decorations. The City Hall gives different gifts to the best marquees.

During these days people eat fried fish as it is very typical and also drink “manzanilla” or “fino” wines. In the afternoon the bullfighting takes place with a chance to see the most famous characters of this art form. Afterwards, the party continues until the morning.

During this event you can eat, drink and listen to music and dance the Sevillana (a typical Andalusian dance). There are many places where you can relax and take it easy and other places where you can have a drink or eat some Seville tapas.

Rent Apartments in Seville. Enjoy these fun-filled days at the Seville Spring Fair and the best in Seville’s culture and traditions; it will be fascinating for sure. Don’t miss it!

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