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Seville in spring is a city that overflows with joy, colour and art on all four sides. But if there is one date when that energy is multiplied a thousand times over, it is during the April Fair. A magical week when the city is transformed and welcomes thousands of visitors ready to enjoy Andalusian folklore, rebujito (a refreshing drink made with sherry and lemon), flamenco dresses, sevillanas and that atmosphere that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
And if you are thinking of escaping to Seville, a rental car is ideal for experiencing this very special festival. With Record go you can rent your car at the Seville Airport office or, if you prefer, at the Seville Santa Justa office, to make getting around the city and its surroundings more convenient than ever. Read on because we’ll tell you everything you need to know to make the most of the April Fair.
When is the 2025 Seville April Fair?
This year, the Feria de Abril officially starts on Sunday 4 May with the famous ‘Noche del Alumbrado’ (Night of the Lighting) and lasts until Saturday 10 May, when the fireworks will be the finishing touch to an unforgettable week. Although the party is already starting to be felt in the days leading up to it, that Sunday night is the starting gun.
What is the Feria de Abril?
The April Fair began in 1847 as a livestock fair, but over the years it evolved into what it is today: one of the most important festivals in Spain. Every year a fairground is set up (El Real de la Feria) where more than a thousand booths, attractions, lights and decorations recreate an ephemeral city full of art, music and tradition. Although at the beginning most of the booths were private, in recent years there has been an increase in the number of public booths where any visitor can enter, order something to eat, drink a glass of ‘rebujito’ (sherry and lemonade) and join in the ‘sevillanas’ dancing.
The highlights of the April Fair in Seville
Now let’s dive into everything that makes this fair special. From the lighting to the fireworks, not to mention the marquees, flamenco and fun for all ages.
1. The Night of the Lighting: the magical beginning
On Sunday 4 May in the evening, one of the most eagerly awaited moments is celebrated: the Night of the Lighting, also known as ‘el encendido’ (the switching on). At midnight, all the lights in the Real fairground light up at the same time, bringing to life thousands of light bulbs that decorate the main entrance and the streets of the fairground. It is an experience that leaves you speechless. The atmosphere is one of excitement, of reunions, of photos under the newly illuminated entrance. If you could only go to the Fair one day, this would be the day to choose. And, of course, tonight is also the ‘Night of the Little Fish’. Why? Because it is traditional to have fried fish for dinner with friends and family in the booths. Puntilla, squid, adobo… all accompanied by manzanilla or rebujito (a refreshing mixture of wine and lime soda).
2. The casetas: the soul of the Fair
The heart of the Fair is undoubtedly the casetas, small marquees decorated with lanterns, where friends, families and visitors gather to eat, drink, sing and dance. Some are private (belonging to associations, families or companies), but others are public and open to everyone. In them you can experience the true spirit of the fair: from having chocolate with churros for breakfast to staying until dawn dancing sevillanas or enjoying a flamenco show.
Tip: you don’t have to know how to dance sevillanas to join in the fun. The Fair is welcoming and cheerful, so don’t hesitate to let yourself go.
3. Festive atmosphere and traditional costumes
One of the great attractions of the Fair is that everyone dresses up for the occasion. The women wear flamenco dresses of all colours and shapes, with ornamental combs, flowers in their hair and small shawls. Many of the men opt for the traditional short suit or simply dress elegantly for the occasion. Strolling through the Real is like being inside a living postcard. There are horses, vintage cars, music everywhere and an atmosphere that is contagious. If you feel like fully immersing yourself, in Seville there are many shops that rent costumes for that week.
4. Calle del Infierno: fun for all ages
If you are travelling with children (or simply want to bring out your more adventurous side), you can’t miss the Calle del Infierno (Hell Street). It is the amusement area of the Fair, with more than 400 activities including Ferris wheels, bumper cars, roller coasters, shooting galleries, candy floss stalls and more. Although the name may be a little scary, it is quite the opposite: pure fun. It is so called because of the noise, the lights and the constant hustle and bustle, but it is one of the most visited and best loved spots by the people of Seville.
5. Fireworks: the grand finale
On the evening of Saturday 10th May, the Fair says goodbye with a fireworks display by the river Guadalquivir. It is the perfect end to an unforgettable week. Many people gather on the banks of the river or in the Los Remedios area to enjoy this emotional moment.
Tips for getting the most out of the Feria
If it is your first time at the Feria de Abril, here are some practical tips:
- Be comfortable but in keeping with the atmosphere. Even if you don’t wear traditional dress, it is common to dress up a little.
- Arrive in good time for the important events such as the Alumbrado (lighting) or the fireworks.
- Use your hire car to move around freely, but remember that the area around the site may be restricted to traffic. You can park nearby and move around on foot or by public transport.
- Try as much as you can: pescaíto (fish and chips), jamón (ham), churros, manzanilla (sweet wine), buñuelos (fritters)… and much more!
- Dance around. Even if you don’t know how. Even if you feel embarrassed. The Fair is enjoyed with all five senses.
Now that you know more about the April Fair, get ready for a week of sevillanas, joy and Andalusian flavour, with the comfort and freedom that only a hire car can give you.
See you at the Real… and olé!
