The April Fair of Seville is back!
This fair has been celebrated in the city of Seville since 1847. The April Fair is considered the most popular festivity in Spain, and is also well-known all around the world. Dancing, drinking, laughing and having fun are the main activities of this traditional Andalusian festivity. It should be experienced at least once in life: you will never forget it!
April Fair of Seville. | Shutterstock.
It was councillors Narciso Bonaplata and José María de Ybarra who came up with the idea of creating an agricultural fair in the city in order to reactivate the economy of this sector in the Andalusian capital. This activity was already celebrated when the King Alfonso X granted the city the right to hold two annual fairs in 1254. However, this became again popular in 1847, thanks to the idea of these two councillors.
Fair of Seville. Joaquín Dominguez Bécquer, 1867 | Shutterstock
For that reason, the original aim of this fair had a strong interest in livestock and trade. The fair attracted a great success among the public, as a large part of society of Seville of the time gathered there. The first fair consisted of 19 stands, however, over the years, that was completely different. In 1858 were around 119 stands. So, the festivity became more a celebration to have fun than to increase the livestock interest. Nowadays, this fact is even more evident, since there are around 1000 stands!
A stand of the April Fair. | Shutterstock
The fair is like a city due to its 275,000 square metres with different streets and stands. Although it may seem that there is room for everyone, it is not easy to find a stand. The great majority of them are private, so it is forbidden to access them without the invitation of the owner. However, even not having an invitation, it is possible to enjoy this amazing Andalusian atmosphere.
Girls dancing “sevillanas”. | Shutterstock
In fact, here are many public stands which are available for those who do not know anyone of the city. As it is above-mentioned, the fair is a little town inside the city of Seville, so maybe if it is your first visit, you will need a map of the location. However, there is even an easier solution for that: Google Maps. This app also includes the streets of the fairgrounds. The main streets are usually Pascual Márquez, Antonio Bienvenida Street, Costillares Street , Ignacio Sánchez Mejías Street and Monolo Vázquez Street.
The façade of the 2022 April Fair. | Shutterstock
One of the most striking features that give the fair its personality is the façade at the entrance. A temporary construction that changes its spectacular design every year. This tradition dates back to 1896 when it was built ‘la Pasarela’, an iron façade inspired by the materials and the design of the Eiffel Tower. However, this façade was demolished in 1921 and, since then, a temporal one is created for each year. In 1949 was when the first most incredible façade was designed. Since then, this is a high-significant tradition of the April fair.
