Spain is known for its vibrant and colorful festivals, and one of the most famous is the Feria De Seville. Held annually in Seville, the capital of Andalusia, this week-long event takes place two weeks after Semana Santa (Holy Week) and is a time when the city of Seville comes alive with traditional costume, music and dancing. The fair is an important cultural event in Spain and attracts people from all over the world, bringing together locals and tourists alike to celebrate the region's culture, history, and traditions. The fair has a rich history dating back to 1847 when two local businessmen proposed the idea of creating a fair where farmers could sell their livestock and goods.
Suit Up for this dazzling spectacle!
Luckily for those of us who love any excuse to suit-up one of the most striking features of the Feria De Seville is the way people dress. Women wear colorful flamenco dresses, while men don suits and ties. There aren't many places in the world where you see so many men, young and old, that proudly walk the streets in the most stylish classic menswear. The tradition of dressing up for the Feria De Seville dates back to the 1920's when the upper class began to wear their best clothes to the festival. This dress code is not only a tradition but also a symbol of the pride and respect people have for their culture and heritage. The fairground itself is known as the 'Real de la Feria', a huge site located between Los Remedios and Tablada which, during the festivities becomes a city in its own right.
The tradition of dressing up for the Feria de Abril is not only important from a cultural perspective but also from a social one. The fair is a time for people to come together and celebrate, and dressing up is a way of showing respect and honour to the event and to the people attending. The men who attend the Feria de Abril in Seville take great pride in their appearance and can spend weeks looking forward to and preparing their outfits for the event, often having many different suits for the different days of the festival. The fair is not only a cultural event but also a fashion event, and men who appreciate good style and design will feel right at home.
This year(2023), the Feria de Abril in Seville will take place from April 23rd to April 29th, ( in 2024 it falls from 14th April till 20th) and it promises to be an unforgettable event. If you are a man who appreciates good style and tailoring, then the Feria de Abril is the perfect event for you to enjoy.
You'll see some very traditional business looks as well as some striking summer suits and ties. Some men mix it up a bit with jeans and a blazer but in the main the look is sartorial elegance.
Heres a few suggestions from Thomas Fortin Menswear, for ties that would fit right in for the look and feel of the festival.
Taking Part in the Feria De Seville
The event is free to attend and takes place on a massive fairground located in the Los Remedios district of Seville.
The first day of the Feria is known as the "Alumbrao," where the entire fairground is lit up by thousands of lightbulbs at midnight. This is followed by a week of parades, horse shows, and flamenco dancing. During the day, visitors can stroll around the fairground and enjoy traditional Spanish cuisine at the casetas, which are small tents set up by families, companies, and organizations.
Each day of the Feria has its own theme. On Monday, there is 'La Note del Pescaíto' or 'Fish Night'. Tuesday is the first official day of the festival when people on horseback parade through the fairground and the women wear the traditional flamenco dresses and the men wear 'el trade court' the traditional spanish 'suit'. On Wednesday, known as the "Fiesta de Los Niños," children dress up in traditional outfits, and there are numerous children's activities available. On Friday, visitors can enjoy a spectacular fireworks display at midnight, which marks the end of the festival.
In terms of cost, attending the Feria de Sevilla can be an affordable experience if you plan ahead. The fairgrounds are free to enter, and there is no charge to watch the processions. Food and drink prices vary depending on the vendor, but you can find reasonably priced options if you stick to the traditional street food stalls. If you plan on attending some of the private casetas, keep in mind that entrance may be limited to members or guests of members only and may require a reservation. There are more than 1000 casetas each with their own bar, kitchen area and music with lots of flamenco dancing going on. There are over 150 public casetas that you can enter fro free so don't worry there will be plenty of opportunity to party if thats what you're looking for. We've even heard that if you're dressed really well you may just be let in to some of the private casetas!
Where to Stay and Eat
If you're planning on attending the Feria De Seville, it's best to book your accommodation well in advance, as this festival attracts a significant number of visitors every year. The most convenient area to stay is in the Los Remedios district, where the fairground is located opposite the Parque de María Luisa. There are numerous hotels and vacation rentals in the area, ranging from budget to luxury.
The neighborhoods of Triana and Santa Cruz are popular choices for tourists, as they are within walking distance of the fairgrounds and offer a range of accommodations, from budget hostels to luxury hotels. Some recommended options include the Hotel Alfonso XIII, a historic five-star hotel, and the Hotel Casa del Poeta, a boutique hotel with a rooftop terrace.
If you're a foodie, the Feria is a must-visit destination. The streets are filled with food stalls offering traditional Andalusian cuisine such as pescaito frito (fried fish), paella, tortilla de camarones (shrimp fritters), and salmorejo (cold tomato soup). It's a great opportunity to try new dishes and indulge in the local flavours.
Outside the fairground, there are numerous restaurants serving Spanish and international cuisine. Some of the recommended restaurants include El Rinconcillo, La Azotea, and Eslava.
As for dining, the food scene in Seville is vibrant and diverse, with options ranging from traditional tapas bars to modern fusion restaurants. For a taste of classic Andalusian cuisine, head to La Azotea, a local favorite known for its fresh seafood and creative tapas. If you're in the mood for something more upscale, try Eslava, a Michelin-starred restaurant that offers a modern twist on traditional dishes.
Add it to your Sartorial Diary!
the Feria de Abril in Seville is a cultural and fashion event that brings people together to celebrate their heritage and showcase their personal style. The tradition of dressing up in suits and ties is an important part of the event, and men who appreciate good style and tailoring will feel right at home at the fair. If you are looking for an opportunity to show off your suit style amongst like-minded individuals, then the Feria de Abril is the perfect event for you to attend. Add the date to your calendars for April 30th to May 7th and join the festivities in Seville!
