Seville Fair

Written By: Gail Clifford | Published By: Weekend Notes | August 11, 2024

A Springtime Fiesta Like No Other

Seville Fair Spain in April

Seville Fair: A Vibrant Celebration of Andalusian Culture
Every spring, Seville, the heart of Andalusia, transforms into a spectacle of color, music, and tradition during the Feria de Sevilla, also known as the Seville Fair. Alongside Easter, it is the most important festival in this historic city, drawing upwards of a million visitors each year. For seven days, the city is a whirlwind of festivity, where locals and visitors alike immerse themselves in the very essence of Andalusian culture. It’s a celebration where the past and present intertwine, creating an unforgettable experience that feels like a reunion of old friends under the Andalusian sun.

Seville Fair Flamenca Dresses

A Feast for the Senses
As you step into the fairgrounds, the vibrant energy is palpable. Women glide by in their finest flamenco dresses, their ruffled skirts swishing with every step. These dresses, known as trajes de flamenca, are not just clothing but a symbol of regional pride, each one meticulously chosen for the occasion. Often, the day begins with one dress, but by evening, after hours of dancing and socializing, many women slip into a second, equally stunning outfit—though assistance may be required for the more practical challenges these ensembles present, like navigating a bathroom break.

Men, too, dress to impress, donning elegant suits or smart jackets with tailored slacks. But the true icons are the horsemen and carriage drivers, who sport the traditional traje de corto. This attire, with its cropped jacket, high-waisted trousers, polished boots, and a distinctive cordobés hat, is a nod to Seville’s equestrian heritage.

Seville Fair A Welcoming Caseta

The Casetas: Heart and Soul of the Fair
The beating heart of the Feria is the casetas—over a thousand private and public tents that line the fairgrounds. These casetas are more than mere booths; they are hubs of social activity, each one echoing with the sounds of laughter, the strumming of guitars, and the rhythmic clapping of flamenco. Here, families and friends gather to dance, sing, and enjoy the finest Andalusian cuisine. Private casetas, passed down through generations, are often invite-only, but there are also public ones where anyone can join the festivities.

Inside the casetas, the drink of choice is rebujito, a refreshing blend of manzanilla sherry and lemon soda, served by the jug to share among friends. To accompany your drink, indulge in classic Spanish delicacies like Iberian ham, mature cheeses, and the ever-popular tortilla española (Spanish omelette).

The culinary highlight, however, is fried fish, particularly on the first night of the fair, known as El Pescaíto. Crunchy bites of hake, anchovies, and squid are served in abundance, marking the official start of the celebration.

And don’t forget to save room for dessert! As the night draws to a close, churros and fritters dipped in rich, hot chocolate become the perfect sweet treat before heading home, no matter the hour.