10 tips to enjoy the 'Feria de Abril' like a true 'sevillano'
Sevilla has many things that only Sevilla has. And during the ‘Feria de Abril’ color, joy, fashion and good life shine with a special light. The neighborhood of ‘Los Remedios’ becomes a microcosm where the city shows its charm. To live this week like a true Sevillian, we share the following recommendations:
1. The 'Feria' is synonymous with light
There are two key moments that indicate the beginning and the end of this festival. The first night, after the traditional “pescaíto” dinner, Sevilla hosts its ‘Alumbrao’. More than 200,000 LED lights illuminate the façade and the Real in a unique display.
The second key moment, for being the closing of this week, are “los fuegos», the amazing pyrotechnic show that illuminates the sky of Sevilla on the closing night.
TIP: To take advantage of the last moment of the ‘Feria’, it is possible to contemplate the fireworks at the ‘Muelle de las Delicias’, where you can enjoy an overview. For those who prefer not to cross the river that night, the ‘Puente de Triana’ and its surroundings will be key places to see the fireworks.
2. Here you are always welcome
The «casetas» (stalls) become the home of the Sevillians during this week. Many of these stalls are private, but others are public and anyone who wants to enjoy the Feria can enter. Among those open to the public is the ‘Caseta de Sevilla’, located at Pascual Márquez, 225.
In the public stalls scattered throughout the ‘Feria’, you can enjoy the good atmosphere and the attractiveness of this festival. You can find them on this map with their locations and consult these addresses and other keys in the Tourist Information Points.
3. 'El Real' can be enjoyed at anytime
The ‘Feria de Sevilla’ has its own frame time: There is the ‘Feria’ by day and the ‘Feria’ by night.
In the morning, the day begins at noon to have lunch in the boot stalls and enjoy the colorful and unique spectacle in the world, the horse ride. And at 8 o’clock in the evening, when the carriages and the riders and horsewomen are collected at the end of their schedule, the ‘Real’ is transformed to experience the illuminated fairground. At night, you can discover the more playful and festive side of the ‘Feria’ and enjoy the flamenco and the atmosphere until well into the early morning of the next day.
4. Travelling by public transport is for “flamencas”
The best way to get to the ‘Feria de Abril’ without too much hassle is to opt for public transportation. Not only because it is the most comfortable way to get to the ‘Portada’ and the main entrances, but also because it can become a unique experience. By river, by bus and even by bicycle, the most flamenco way to go to the Feria is to do it in a sustainable way.
5. Yes, we have our own dress code
It is usual to see men dressed in suits and women in flamenco dresses. The dress used in the ‘Feria’ does not renounce glamour and fashion. To go to the ‘Feria’, it is best to opt for an elegant outfit. Fringes and ruffles, prints or flashy accessories will be allies of the fairground outfits. However, it is important to remember that women only wear the flower on their heads when they are wearing flamenco dresses.
As for footwear, it is always recommended to wear comfortable shoes that allow dancing and enjoyment until dawn and that can be cleaned without problems. The entire fairgrounds are covered with “albero”,a golden-colored sand that also extends through the parks and bullrings, but which stains visibly.
6. Our particular currency
Now that contactless payments are becoming more and more common, it is also useful to go to the ‘Feria’ with cash. Besides being a very useful way to control your expenses, it may be necessary to buy vouchers for consumption. The use of this type of vouchers is quite common in the stalls and their conditions of use will depend on the rules of each one of them.
7. The rebujito looks like water, but it is not
The traditional drink is a mixture of manzanilla or fino (white wine) with carbonated lemon-lime soda. It is extremely popular at the ‘Feria’, but, precisely because of how easy it is to drink it and the high temperatures of this time of year, you can drink more than you had intended. It is good to keep that in mind!
TIP: You can combine rebujito with the gastronomy of the ‘Feria’ to compensate for its effects. Montaditos (tapa-style baguettes), fried fish, ham, prawns… And, of course, churros and buñuelos at the end of the night (or day).
8. The Feria also has its hell
If the Feria is a microcosm, the attractions area in the fairground is a whole other universe. The ‘Calle del Infierno’, as the Sevillians call it, is overflowing with attractions or “cacharritos”, as if it were a theme park.
The constant hustle and bustle of children and young people, the lights of each attraction and the volume of the music make it a practice only for the most daring. For the most sensitive, this space has 3 days of 4 hours without noise so that everyone can enjoy this experience.
9. Here no one sit still
As it can not be otherwise, in the ‘Feria de Sevilla’ the dance par excellence is the ‘sevillanas’. In all the stalls of the ‘Real’ this music, so typical of the city, is played. Its choreography is not really very complicated, but a little preparation is necessary to master the most basic steps.
In social networks the didactic videos about ‘sevillanas’ are very popular. It is a good way to rehearse at home to avoid sitting still when Ya Huele a Feria is played. You can practice with the “Pasión por la Feria” playlist.
10. It's time to change your screen wallpaper
During the busiest hours, the ‘Real’ can host thousands of people who are usually texting and calling their friends, making internet access difficult and the mobile network weak.
For this reason, knowing the fairground well is essential to avoid getting lost. However, the easiest option is to download a map of it. If you want to integrate yourself as a Sevillian, use it as your wallpaper to have it always present.
With all these tips, getting around the ‘Real’ like a real Sevillian becomes easier. Let’s dance and sing!
