The Seville Fair is one of the most colorful extravaganzas of Spain where thousands of people, local and visitors gather on the banks of the river where special beautiful tents are erected for the occasion. These tents belong to certain groups like the gentry, or business houses and the like. Even companies have their own tents in the area.

The Seville fair is one of the most awaited of Spanish festivals. The entire area is gaily decorated and has a festive look during the six days that the fair is held. The first fair was held in 1847 when two councilors organized a livestock fair. Queen Isabel II agreed to the proposal and inaugurated it on April 18, 1847 at Prado de San Sebastian which was on the outskirts of the city. The April Fair had nineteen casetas (tents) at that time which has now swelled to thousands. The fair gained momentum and reached a peak in the 1920s when people from all over Spain and even outside came especially for it. Seeing its popularity, the organizers thought of ways and means of making it more interesting and enjoyable.

Today it is a cultural extravaganza which is a must- visit item on every tourist’s agenda.
It begins two weeks after Semana Santa or Easter Holy week. It is officially declared open on a Tuesday midnight and continues for six days till Sunday midnight when it ends with a big fireworks show. Thousands and thousands of lamps are lit to mark the opening ceremony, making it a well-lit occasion.

The gentry of Seville begin coming in a procession at mid-afternoon in gaily decorated carriages and make their way to the bullring where a spectacular bullfight is organized and takes place before the cheering crowd. The entire route is decorated with colorful paper lamps and the streets come to life with horses, horse riders, carriages and wagons carrying men and women dressed in their Sunday best. The women wear colorful flamenco dresses for the occasion.

Families take their children for various sports, rides and games, eating tasty food and drinks that is organized at the fair. Everyone is in a festive mood and have a relaxed week. After the bullfight, the people begin singing and dancing, eating and drinking and making merry. This goes on till midnight on the streets, after which they retire to their chosen tents to continue with the festivities. In the wee hours of the morning the revelers have a frothy chocolate drink and rest for some time till the next day’s festivities begin around noon. This goes on every day till the following Sunday. Even total strangers are invited to the merry making as the Spanish people are friendly and love to enjoy.

La Feria de Sevilla, as it is called, has reached its peak with more and more ideas and merriment being introduced every year. Organized programs and events mark the occasion and tourists who visit La Feria can be assured of having a good time.