Spring is a special time in Seville, thanks to colorful festivities, such as Feria de Abril de Sevilla (Seville April Fair). It takes place in April or early May, two weeks after Semana Santa (Holy Week). This celebration dates back to 1847 and is significant to locals. Everything starts with Fish Night, a tradition of eating fish for dinner at midnight.
"Alumbrao" is the opening ceremony of the fair, when the fairgrounds get illuminated with thousands of lights, turned on by the mayor of Seville at midnight. Huge crowds are gathering to witness this special moment. Then the party begins!
The fair lasts for the whole week. Visitors can travel to a bygone era, surrounded by beautiful women in traditional flamenco dresses. People dance and enjoy the magic atmosphere. This spring festival's music and dancing style is called "sevillana." The fair is like a city within a city. A beautiful gate is erected at the entrance. Little houses, called casetas, are illuminated by lanterns, and the streets are laid with special yellow earth, called albero.
The highlight of the fair is the procession called the ‘Paseo de Caballos’. Gorgeous riders in their traditional attire make their way to the Maestranza bullring. Sure, the bullfight is another tradition, which can't be missed!
