Feria de Sevilla is an unmissable experience if you're visiting Seville at this time. © Michelle Chaplow |
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Seville April Fair
Tuesday 21 April 2026 (00.01h) to Sunday 26 April 2026 (23.59h)
These dates are confirmed by Seville City Council.
Spring in Seville has a special atmosphere, garlanded with the sweet scent of orange blossom and jasmine, and a frisson of excited anticipation, as the city's two most important events take place - first Semana Santa and then the Spring Fair, the Feria de Abril.
When and where does it happen?
The Seville Fair traditionally begins two clear weeks after Semana Santa, in a huge recinto ferial (fairground) in Los Remedios, south-west of the city, next to the river. The dates for the 2026 edition are Tuesday 21 to Sunday 26 April. The traditional cena de pescaito (fried fish dinner) takes place on the evening of Monday 20 April 2026 followed by the alumbrao - the official turning on of the lights at midnight.
This PDF guide from the Seville Tourism Office is full of useful information about the fair, including transport to and from the recinto.
What is the Feria, and what happens there?
This is a week of serious dancing, drinking, eating and socialising, with late nights - or all-nighters - the norm. The sheer extent of the April Fair's spectacle is extraordinary. From around midday until early evening - especially on Tuesday, the first official day - Sevilla society parades around the fairground in carriages or on horseback. There are also daily bullfights, generally considered the best of the season. Then the eating, drinking and dancing continues into the small hours.
What are casetas and what happens in them? Can anyone go into them?
The "Real de la Feria", where the Feria takes place, covers 450,000m2 and includes the amusement park, Calle de Infierno (Hell Street), and the casetas, striped tents of varying sizes in 24 blocks arranged along 15 streets, as well as the car park (for special passes only).
Numbering over 1,000, the casetas belong to local families, groups of friends, businesses, clubs, trade associations and political parties. Most of the casetas are private and open only to members and their guests. If you have a Sevillano friend with a caseta, you could be lucky enough to receive a much-coveted invitation.
Alternatively, and essential for visitors who won't have access to the private casetas, there are a number of casetas with free entry - - two public municipal ones, Fiesta Mayores, and one for each of six districts of Seville. You can also enter the political parties' ones (PSOE, PP, Partido Andalucista); the trades unions' (CCOO, UGT, USO); La Marimorena, which serves vegan food, la Pecera and El Garbanzo Negro; and a tourist one. Here is our full list of Seville fair casetas open to the public.
Inside the tents the drinks begin to flow, and tapas are served, from around 1:30pm till early next morning. Each caseta is equipped with a bar, kitchen and sound system or live entertainment playing Sevillanas . This is the official genre of folk music in Seville, which has its own set dance. It's worth taking a few classes before the Feria so you don't have to be a wallflower.
As a non-native, pay attention to how the authentic "Sevillanos" (natives of Seville) pace themselves in order to make it full-force right through to the end. Also, a little effort goes a long way - whatever your level of Spanish, make sure you use it (again, why not brush up a little before going, by taking some classes). You´re a guest at their party, so express your appreciation by joining in!
Buy tickets for Alcazar Guided Tour
What do people wear, and what should I wear?
Some men, and many women, wear the traditional costume. For men - particularly those on horseback or driving carriages - this is the traje corto, or short suit consisting of fitted trousers and a short, fitted jacket with wide-brimmed hat. Women wear the traditional traje de gitano, literally gypsy suit or flamenco dress, often in bright colours, and accessorised with matching/coordinating flower in hair, comb, jewellery, manton (fringed shawl) and fan.
The dresses are pricey, but worth investing in if you'll be coming back again - nothing makes you feel part of an event like being dressed appropriately. For men, unless you have an Arab steed to convey you, and are svelte of figure, the traje corto is a less advisable option. Perhaps better a normal suit.
Find more about Feria de Sevilla:
Fascinating facts about the Seville Fair
Location
Recinto ferial, Los Remedios, Sevilla
