A Guide to Feria de Abril in Seville

Here at Adelante, we highly encourage our candidates to engulf themselves into new cultures. Whether they participate an internship or study abroad program, there’s always something to explore and experience for the first time.

Spring is one of our favorite times of the year due to the festivities held around Spain and South America. One of the most popular spring festivals is the Seville Fair, or Feria de abril de Sevilla.

What is Feria de Abril?

Feria de abril de Sevilla is held in Seville, Spain about two weeks after Easter Holy Week. The events run from Monday all the way to the following Sunday, but it’s very common to see festivities begin as early as that Saturday.

The first official night, Monday night, is known as “La Noche del Pescaito” or “Fish Night.” During the evening, fish is traditionally served for dinner while the Mayor of Seville switches on thousands of lights at midnight to emphasize the beginning of the festival.

By Tuesday, the festival brings in horseback parades filled with carriages, riders, bullfighters and breeders. Women wear their favorite flamenco dresses and dance with men dressed in traditional suits.

The rest of the week proceeds with more festivities as well as bull fights. Shows are held at the Plaza de Toros, and the top bullfighters appear during this week. You can easily participate in local activities and enjoy street food, circuses / carnivals, and dancing.

Adaeze C. preparing for Feria de Abril

Adaeze C. and Adelante’s Seville Program Director, Catherine

What is the origin of Feria de Abril?

The traditions from the Seville Fair can be traced all the way back to the early 1800’s, where a cattle fair was held and continued every year afterward. Each year, more and more people joined in to celebrate and socialize together in Seville, which brought in ‘casetas’ for food, bars and music. By the 1920’s, Feria de abril became one of Seville’s biggest fiestas.

Looking to celebrate in Seville? If you missed this year’s Seville Fair, there’s still plenty of festivities and celebrations going on in the next few months!

There are also other celebrations happening in other parts of Spain, Ecuador, Chile, Mexico, and Uruguay! Apply now to take advantage of Summer start dates!