Feria de Abril

When: April - begins roughly two weeks after Easter and runs about six days from Monday to Sunday.

Where: Seville, Spain - the festivities are centred on the fairground known as Real de la Feria in the Los Remedios neighborhood.

Cost: Entering the fairground is free; most casetas are private (invite-only) and food, drink and some events cost extra.

Don’t miss: The alumbrao (night-time lighting of the portada), nightly flamenco in the casetas and the daytime Paseo de Caballos (horse and carriage parade).

The Feria de Abril began in the mid-19th century as a livestock and trading fair and evolved into Seville’s signature social festival, where family, music and Andalusian customs take centre stage.

Today the fairground at Real de la Feria fills with hundreds of casetas (temporary tents), many run by families, clubs and businesses where flamenco, sevillanas and tapas rule. Days are dominated by the horse parade and carriage processions; nights turn into lively dance floors and candlelit dinners inside the casetas. The nearby Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza often stages bullfights during the season, adding to the traditional atmosphere.

The Feria is movable because it is scheduled relative to Semana Santa (Holy Week); it usually takes place in April, starting about two weeks after Easter and lasting roughly six days from Monday to Sunday.

The week opens with the alumbrao - the ceremonial lighting of the feria portada - then builds through the weekend when the Paseo de Caballos and big family gatherings peak; evenings are busiest for dancing and socialising in the casetas.

Fly into Seville - San Pablo Airport (SVQ) which serves Seville; it is around 10 - 20 minutes from the centre by taxi depending on traffic. From the city centre the fairground at Real de la Feria is best reached by taxi, local buses or rideshare during the festival (special shuttle services may run); arrive at least a day early and book accommodation well in advance.

• Respect private casetas: many are invite-only - ask before entering and accept that some are reserved for members.
• Dress: women often wear trajes de flamenca and men may wear traje corto for full immersion, but smart-casual is fine for visitors; comfortable shoes are essential.
• Safety and animals: watch for horses and carriages on the roads and keep a safe distance from animals and tack.
• Money and payments: bring cash; many casetas and stalls prefer cash though some accept cards.
• Weather and timing: April days can be warm and nights cool - bring sun protection for daytime and a light layer for evenings.
• Book early: accommodation and any desired private-caseta invitations should be arranged months ahead, as local demand is high.