La Feria de Abril

Post written by Mariona, a United Planet Team member.

How can I begin talking about La Feria de Abril? Only great memories come to mind, of people singing and dancing sevillanas in the middle of the streets, beautiful women dressing up in the most colorful dresses you have ever seen, the strong smell of jasmine mixed with the delicate sound of horse steps, riders together with their horses, all of them perfectly dressed up for the occasion and ready to shine under the sun that is characteristic of Seville.

I just love the atmosphere you can feel when you are there, in the middle of the alvero* under lots of farolillos (strings of paper lanterns) which bring to the scenario even more color and help to create the most cheerful stage to enjoy the party.

This festivity lasts for seven days. The first day is called “La Noche del Pescaíto,” or “The Little Fish Night,” where all the members of a caseta have a kind of Inauguration Dinner where the best fish and cecinas* are served. Monday night is also important because the main building is decorated with a huge entrance–La Portada— on one of the sides of the Recinto Ferial, or fair space. This grand entrance, whose design and colors change every year, is ceremoniously lit at 12 pm. Once the Portada has been lit to illuminate the Recinto Ferial, then everybody claps their hands and drinks a toast to wish each other “Buena Feria!” This moment is the most highly anticipated of the whole fair and brings attendees the most joy.

*alvero- sand sidewalk
*Cecinas- a kind of grocery comprised of ham, cheese, chorizo sausage and caña de lomo