The last week of April through the first week of May marks the most colorful festival in all of Spain. The April Fair takes place annually in Seville, and is the largest fair in the region with costumed participants, horses, and extravagance around every corner.
You will not find a more vibrant and lively festival than the April Fair. This year, the dates for the week-long celebration are from midnight on Monday, April 28 to midnight on Sunday, May 3. Offering every opportunity for an elaborate immersion in Spanish culture, abundant activities include buskers, street dances, incredible culinary events. and the opportunity to make new friends or visit family and friends. The festival takes place in the fairgrounds right in front of Parque María Luisa. It is located approximately 1.25 km northeast of the center of Seville.
The fair begins with the lighting of thousands of colored light bulbs, spread throughout the fairgrounds and the main entrance. The lighting, called the “lighting test”, occurs at midnight on Monday and marks the beginning of the celebration. All festival events are free.
History of the Fair
The April Fair began in 1847 as a “cattle fair.” Over time, the absolute joy that began to transcend the event replaced the original “agricultural fair”, transforming it into the social highlight that it is today. The fair has taken on more exotic overtones throughout its years of growing popularity to become an exciting week-long adventure. These days, a new festival theme is chosen each year, and the 50-meter-high fairground gate is always a creative homage to each year’s theme.
The Booths (or Tents)
The booths are the heart of the fair. It is here that you will probably spend a fair amount of time. Within each one lies the essence of the festival itself. Groups of families and friends share the space of their booths to receive guests and acquaintances, and offer them food and drinks. Many of these booths are privately owned, and you have to be invited to join the revelry inside. Fortunately, you will find that the people of Seville are friendly, warm and caring. They will try to get you involved in the celebration if you are passing through as they want you to feel welcome and share in the joy of this event. The people of Seville are serious about having fun at their festivals!
In any case, however, there are also plenty of public booths to share in the joy and merriment of the occasion. Flamenco dancing in popular costume is the favorite tradition. Sevillanas is flamenco dance in the local flavor and much of it exists within the caseta partitions, often spilling out and into the streets beyond. The social gatherings, the food, the drink, the dance, everything that happens inside the booths reflects the true spirit of this festival. The information booths installed at the entrance of the festival will inform you about each booth and the activities that take place throughout the day.
Prom Dress
The festival attracts is of Andalusian influence for artists and participants. The typical clothing of the men is that of a farmer, while the women wear exotic gypsy or bright multicolored flamenco dresses. Women’s clothing is especially vibrant and adds an air of excitement to the festivities. The colors are stunning in the crowd.
daytime activities
The April Fair has a multitude of options for the little ones, thus turning the fair into a family event. Adjacent to the fairgrounds is Calle del Infierno. Despite the name (translated, it means Hell’s Street), the area is full of attractions and activities designed especially for children, which can also be enjoyed by adults. Vendors sell snacks and cold drinks on nearby streets.
Every day of the fair at noon the famous parade of horses and carriages takes place. The procession is called “Paseo de Caballos” and includes carriages full of beautiful ladies dressed in the striking attire of flamenco dancers. You can be part of this parade yourself by renting a buggy and a driver! Imagine strolling through the streets with other parade participants and waving to the glamorously dressed crowds as you pass by. Every day, horsemen and Amazons participate in this celebration with wonderfully decorated carriages.
Night activities
The activities of the day, however, cannot be compared to the nightlife that surrounds the fair. Of course, you’re in Spain, so naturally you’ll want to see a bullfight. This fair offers that incentive, as well as many others. The late afternoon and early evening draw festival goers to the Maestranza bullring to watch the excitement as it unfolds. Tickets for this event can be purchased in advance or at the event itself.
The festival has a “party all night” philosophy. The booths are filled with music, dancing, food, drinks and a party that lasts until the wee hours of the morning. To truly experience the April Fair, you must live the life of a booth reveler! The lively rhythm of the music will make it easy to do! Also make sure to try the tapas while you enjoy the food in the caseta or in Seville. Tapas are a delicious aperitif, and Seville is credited with its invention.
The April Fair concludes with a magnificent pyrotechnic show that is intended to send the public off with enthusiasm until the return of the event next year. Midnight on Sunday brings the magical explosion of light in the sky that signals the end of this year’s fair.