It’s been described as an exuberant spectacle, a place to see and be seen, and a week when normal life comes to a screeching halt. One of the most colorful events in Spain is the Feria de Abril (the April Fair), or Feria de Sevilla (Seville Fair). A feast for the senses, and with no detail too extravagant, this Feria is one of the most astonishing cultural events in the world!
Seville, situated in Southern Spain, will have just completed a full week of celebration and reverence during Semana Santa (Easter Holy Week), one of the most important holidays in Spain. Only two weeks later, the city is in full celebration mode once again. While tourists flock to the city for the chance to be a part of the merriment and revelry, it is at heart a festival by and for the Sevillanos (locals from Seville) to pay tribute to their culture and to enjoy family and friendship.
Travelers are drawn to Seville by colorful images online, as the feria (fair) is a photographer’s dream. If you’re planning to see for yourself, you won’t be disappointed. The in-person reality is every bit as iconic as the expectation!
Adding to the intrigue is that some festivities are just out of reach for the general public, as private groups hold exclusive entry into most of the invite-only celebrations on the fairgrounds.
Below, we’ll take a peek at everything the Seville Fair has to offer to guests and locals alike, from when the Mayor of Seville switches on the lights to the non-stop nighttime social extravaganza!
Whether you’re reading about the fiesta (party) from home, plan to party with the general public, or if you’re one of the lucky few to get an invite to a private caseta (fairground tent), Rosetta Stone can help you prepare with our immersive, bite-sized lessons that mirror natural learning techniques and real-life conversations. Plus, TruAccent gives you immediate feedback on your pronunciation in every lesson, so you’ll always sound amazing!
The history of Feria de Abril
Dating back to April 18, 1847, the April Fair in Seville had its start as a three-day livestock fair just outside the city, but quickly gained popularity as the place to be, as three casetas (marquees or temporary tent structures) were constructed on the fairgrounds. These belonged to a prominent Duke and Duchess, the Town Hall, and the Casino of Seville. They were set up to serve refreshments to the trading farmers and visitors.
The first fair featured prizes for the best oxen, bulls, and rams, but also featured carousels and food stands. From its first fireworks displays in 1864 to the introduction of the Portada (entry gate) in 1896, the fair has seen many evolutions. Electric lights added a whole new dimension to the festivities when they were first introduced in 1906!
The number of casetas (tents) and tavern licenses quickly multiplied, it became the social event of the year. By 1973, as the fair’s popularity grew, organizers searched for a new location for the sprawling activities. They finally settled on what is now the fair’s current location, opposite the Parque de María Luisa in Barrio de los Remedios. You’ll recognize the area when the festivities are over—each street bears the name of an important figure in the world of bullfighting!
When is Feria de Abril typically held?
The fair is held just two weeks after Semana Santa (Holy Week), with quite a bit of overlap, as construction of the Portada (gate) and organization of activities begin months in advance.
Easter shifts every year in line with the Church calendar, and the fair is typically held two weeks later. You can always count on the kickoff event known as the Alumbra’o or Alumbrado (illumination) to be held in April, and it’s not uncommon for the festivities to continue into May.
Provisional dates for the fair are set in advance until confirmed by official decree, usually the summer before. You can expect Seville to be packed during the fair, so it’s smart to make your plans in advance, but hold loosely to any arrangements until the dates are official!
Crowds gather on Saturday night for the alumbra’o (illumination), the official opening at midnight. Here, the Mayor of Seville turns on the hundreds of thousands of festive lights and lanterns that decorate the Portada (gateway) and the streets of the Recinto Ferial (fairgrounds). The fair then runs for the rest of the week. Timing varies depending on the day, with the lights turning off for the night well into the madrugada (early morning), so that means anywhere between 3 and 6 AM.
The fair comes to a close on Saturday at midnight with a dazzling fireworks display over the Guadalquivir River. It can take weeks to tear down and clean up from all the fun!
How big is Feria de Abril?
The Feria de Abril fairground is called El Real de la Feria de Sevilla, though you may also hear it referred to as El Real or Recinto Ferial. It spans around 13 million square feet, and is divided into 15 different streets which are closed to most traffic. The exceptions are the elegant horses and carriages, and even these are restricted to certain streets and times, so you’ll join everyone on foot for most of the experience!
The most notable areas are:
- The Portada (gate), the main entryway, impressively designed according to a different theme each year.
- The route of the Paseo de Caballos, the parade of horses and carriages.
- Calle del Infierno (literally, “Street of Hell”). If you haven’t had enough fun already, this area on the far end of the fairgrounds is filled with over 350 amusement park activities!
With so much to see and do, it’s essential that you visit the information center and seek out a map of the public casetas (tents) where you can experience all that the fair has to offer.
Remember that over a million people visit the fairgrounds in the span of one week, hence why the fairgrounds are so big! You’ll want to plan ahead, since it’s fairly far from the center of Seville. Below we’ll share tips for getting there and getting around!
>> Gain confidence with this guide to basic Spanish words and phrases before your trip!
Unmissable attractions at Feria de Abril
El Paseo de Caballos
El Paseo de Caballos (the promenade of horses) takes place daily during fair week, and follows an official route from noon until 8 PM. Carriages, horses and riders ride freely throughout these hours so long as they follow the route and protocols. Over 1400 carriages will take to the streets throughout the week, many of them works of art!
Drivers and passengers are dressed to the nines in traditional styles, but you might call this a gala for the horses as well, as they can be vividly decorated, often wearing bright flowers, and looking their absolute best.
The men dress in a traditional style with a traje corto, consisting of a short jacket, tight dress pants, boots, and cordobés, a flat-brimmed hat.
Ladies don a traje de gitana (gypsy dress) also known as the traje de flamenca (flamenca dress/outfit). They are brightly colored figure-hugging dresses, ruffled at the bottom and often at the ends of the sleeves, and can show off polka dots or bold patterns. The look is finished with an eye-catching flower in the hair.
It may feel rude to stare, but riders and passengers are there to be seen. Every detail is meticulously selected and meant to be appreciated! Some participants might not mind if you ask permission to take a photo, and may pose for you to admire.
Public vs. private casetas
There are over 1000 casetas (tents) registered each year that line the streets of the fairgrounds—and while they may not sound all that exciting at first, they really are the life of the party.
While you may be tempted to peek inside every one of these striped canvas structures to investigate the sounds and smells coming from within, take note! The vast majority of the casetas are exclusively invite-only, privately owned by families, social groups, political parties, companies, trade associations, or other organizations.
If you’re lucky enough to know a local and get an invitation, we think you should absolutely accept! But don’t hang around hoping to get invited by a stranger. For many sevillanos (people from Seville), this is an opportunity to socialize with loved ones and colleagues, and their food, drinks, and entertainment are for the exclusive enjoyment of their guests.
Fewer than 20 casetas each year are open to the public. With half a million visitors per day, it’s easy to see why the public casetas are crowded! Still, when in Sevilla…
There’s even one caseta specifically open to tourists with a multilingual staff and helpful information for making the most of your feria (fair) experience. If you’re inclined, enjoy the live music, bar, food, and party atmosphere until the lights go out!
When you get the chance, take in the sevillanas (dance to traditional folk music in Seville), or even participate! Take a few classes ahead of time so that you’ll be prepared!
From around nine at night, the party atmosphere, with flowing manzanilla (a type of sherry) and rebujito (fizzy sherry lemon cocktail), tapas (small plate appetizers), and dancing, may spring up in the streets, but once it reaches a certain hour, it may seem that all of the fun has gone inside the canvas walls of the casetas.
La Calle del Infierno
If you’re not exhausted from your dazzling day at the fair, head to the far end of the Recinta (fairground) and go to the Calle del Infierno (literally, “Hell Street”/ “Street of Hell”), a hopping amusement park with over 350 different activities.
We suggest hopping on the noria (ferris wheel) to give you a birds-eye view of your surroundings (and a tremendous photo!). If you’re interested in an even more immersive carnival experience, try out the roller coasters, carnival food, try-your-luck games, and treats for all ages. There are even circus shows with animal acts and feats of bravery.
It’s a place to treat the kids to some good nostalgia and amusement, as the attractions range from mild kiddie rides to thrilling twists and turns for the older and braver ones!
La Corrida
Both deeply traditional and controversial, the corrida de toros (bullfight) is one of the most popular events in Sevilla during the week of the fair. For those who are interested, tradition and pride are on display. Not all Sevillanos are in favor of the practice, but for those involved, tradition runs deep. The event on Saturday is one of the most important and respected of the year.
Practical tips for making the most of Feria de Abril
So you’ve decided that the Feria de Sevilla is not to be missed! Here are some of our tips to make the most of your week!
Getting ready
If you want to fit in, you’ll really want to look your best, but also stay comfortable!
For daytime, you could opt for a more traditional look, such as the traje corto (traditional men’s suit) or traje de gitana (traditional ladies’ ruffled dress) worn by the participants in the paseo de caballos (promenade of horses). Many locals spend a good deal of money on tailor-made clothing, but even then, they aren’t comfortable to wear the entire day.
Instead, you could choose a more comfortable but formal look. Flowy dresses, smart pants and button shirts will fit in nicely. Embellish with a flower in your hair! Avoid shorts, jeans, tee-shirts, sneakers, sandals, or beachwear, and instead choose clothing appropriate for a less casual outdoor party.
For nighttime, think of a wedding or a night at the theater. Locals will appreciate that you dressed for the occasion, with men in suits and ladies in elegant dresses. You’ll be doing a lot of walking and dancing, so break in those fancy shoes ahead of time!
Be prepared
The sun in Southern Spain in mid to late April can be intense, there aren’t a lot of conveniences close at hand, and purchases can be expensive. Some helpful items to have include:
- sunscreen and lip protection
- snacks and water
- a portable phone battery
- payment options: both cash and card
- a pretty hand-held fan to keep you cool!
Be vigilant
Where there are crowds and visitors, there are pickpockets. Be aware. Pickpockets are probably just as well-dressed as anyone else at the feria, and they are crafty. Consider clothing and bags that will allow you to keep close contact with your phone and credit card.
Getting there
We suggest that on a beautiful day, the 30-minute walk to the feria (fair) from the city center is part of the experience! Follow the many visitors and locals who will be strolling to and from the event.
As for other forms of transportation: parking is impossible, taxis are difficult and pricey, and buses are crowded and less frequent. Your best bet is by metro, which can get you within a 10 minute walking distance of the fair, or horse-drawn carriage for a truly festive, dramatic arrival.
Getting around
While at the fair, you’ll be exploring a small city within the city. Hop online and search for a downloadable map ahead of time so that you can get familiar with the routes and main areas.
Once you arrive, the tourist information office near the Portada (main gate) will also have maps and tips available, including:
- public casetas (tents)
- public transportation stops
- public toilets/restrooms
- Information booths
- police and emergency first aid
As with any crowded event, we suggest designating a meeting spot in case anyone in your group should get separated or lost in the fun!
The route of the Paseo de Caballos will also be clearly marked on the maps. If you’re hoping for a good view of the Alumbra’o (opening night illumination), a particular live event, or the closing firework display, ask ahead of time for the best places to view and plan to get there early!
Simplifying your experience
A carnival or fair in any part of the world can be a money-grab, and even the most festive crowds can make for an inconvenient experience if you’re rushed or hungry. Having a plan can help!
- Choose a less busy day. The first two weekdays are generally the least populated. Avoid the public holidays in Spain. Weekends tend to be more crowded.
- Go early. Visit the information booth and ask questions.
- Consider taking a free walking tour of the fairgrounds if available. Let your guide suggest favorite stalls, public casetas, and viewing spots.
- Try out some public casetas (tents). Even though the majority are private, there are over a dozen options for visitors including one aimed specifically for tourists! Use the map to find each location.
Accessibility
If someone in your group has reduced mobility or sensory needs, seek information ahead of time. The organizers have worked hard to make the fair more accessible in the past few years. Some recent improvements include:
- better access to sidewalks, elimination of some physical barriers such as raised platforms
- sensory-friendly/reduced-noise time blocks at Calle del Infierno (the amusement park)
- sensory-friendly/reduced noise times at the circus
- a wheelchair accessible ferris wheel
Even as improvements are made each year, research in advance, as there are sandy streets, sidewalks, raised platforms, and an overwhelming feast for the eyes and ears throughout the experience. The information booth or walking tour guide may be a helpful resource!
Build deeper connections with Spanish culture and beyond
To everything there is a season, and fair week is a time to celebrate life and friendship! The Feria de Abril is meaningful to the Sevillanos as they embrace time-honored tradition and culture, as much as a time to kick back and socialize!
Though parts are exclusive, tourists and visitors will find plenty to enjoy. Admire the horse-drawn carriages, sip some sherry, and try out a few steps of a Sevillana, and you’ll feel a connection like no other.
The richness of world cultures can leave us curious, impressed, intrigued, and moved to an extent that goes beyond the boundaries of language. Build deeper connections to the cultures that inspire you. Rosetta Stone offers multiple entry points into an unfamiliar culture, with immersive, bite-sized lessons that help you learn language and expand your cultural knowledge. You’ll even have the opportunity to refine your pronunciation in every lesson with TruAccent!
Written by Jamie Edwards
Jamie is a learner and teacher of Spanish and French. When she’s not learning new words, you’ll find her on the soccer sidelines, ski slopes, and track and field bleachers enjoying the four seasons of Western New York.
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