Notes on the Fair of April in Seville

Overview

• Held in Seville in April.
• One of Spain's most known festivals.
• Takes place in an area called Real.

Entrance and Layout

• Main entrance features the "Portada", which changes every year.
• Streets named after bullfighters; sidewalks painted yellow to resemble bullrings.
• More than 1,000 booths, all white with red or green stripes.

Booths and Activities

• Festival celebrated within booths where people:
  • Eat
  • Drink
  • Talk
  • Dance
• Important: Most booths are private (for owners, friends, or invitees).
• Some public booths available for everyone.

Music and Dance

• Music includes "sevillana", a type of flamenco.
• Sevillana danced in pairs; it is Spain's most popular folkloric dance.

Atmosphere and Participants

• Fun for all ages, including non-locals.
• Typical foods: fried fish and ham.
• Typical drinks: "manzanilla" wine and "rebujito" (manzanilla with soft drink).
• Live music in some booths.

Parades and Fashion

• Carriages and horses pass through Real from noon to 8 PM.
• Evening is particularly beautiful with many carriages and elegantly dressed people:
  • Men: American suits and ties.
  • Women: Flamenco dresses.
  • Coach drivers and horse riders also dress elegantly.

Timing and Duration

• Occurs three weeks after Holy Week.
• Lasts for a week, starting on a Monday night with lights turned on at the Facade.
• Tradition to eat fried fish on the opening night.

Attractions

• Amusement park next to booths called "Hell street".
• Food stalls and restaurants available for all.
• Bullfights featuring top bullfighters during the festival.

Cultural Significance

• Strong local tradition and participation in bullfighting.
• Evening festivities include more lights and continued celebration in booths and Hell street.