Every year Seville celebrates La Feria de Abril – the Seville April Fair – with round-the-clock flamenco parties and a dynamic programme of typically Andalusian cultural events.

On the south side of the Puente de la Barqueta (bridge), which crosses the Río Guadalquivir, there is a canvas city known as Real de la Feria. There, over 1000 brightly-coloured marquees are covered in decorations and paper lanterns, becoming a temporary home to thousands of revellers, packed day and night with flamenco dancers.

Many marquees are hired out to private functions, hosted by families, clubs and companies alike. These require you to have an invitation, but there are plenty of others and you can roam freely - all have their own bars. Be sure to order a chilled Rebujito, a refreshing mixture of Manzanilla sherry and Sprite unique to Seville.

At night, seek out some of the many flamenco events on offer. The majority run up until 9am the next morning, so time is not an issue. Some sevillanos choose to turn up clad head-to-toe in flamenco costume and have no problem dancing all night. Try learning a trick or two from them.

Make sure that you get some sleep so you can watch the Paseo de Caballos (Procession of Horsemen and Carriages) at midday. Horses and beautifully-decorated carriages parade in shining colours throughout the city, with their occupants in fantastic flamenco dress. Every evening some of the best bullfights of the year take place at the Plaza de Toros de Maestranza de Caballería, known as El Catedral (Cathedral).

Flamenco and bullfighting represent strong cultural traditions in Andalusia and the April Feria offers a unique insight into the character and atmosphere of the region. However, if you find the practice of bullfighting distasteful, then this part of the celebrations is best avoided.

Source: What’s on When Official Website

Suggestion of ARTEH® Hotels in Seville, Spain

- Hospes Las Casas del Rey de Baeza
- Hotel Casa de Carmona