| Seville in Andalusia. Two weeks after holy
week, Seville, Andalusia begins to prepare for the "Feria de Abril".
Over the years, the former livestock show has become THE party for the
people of Seville, as it marks the return of spring.
The cattle trade has taken a step back and left room for the pretty,
Gipsy women who, each afternoon, on the other side of the Guadalquivir
river, parade around on magnificent horses to admiring crowds, their fans
waving elegantly.
When night falls, the whole town goes to the fair site in the Triana
quarter of town, between Morato and Ramon de Carena streets. The people
of Seville meet in casetas, big canvas tents rented for the occasion by
the well-to-do or by companies who use them for advertising purposes. |
In the casetas, there a variety of traditional
foods available as well as local Spanish wines.Partygoers dance the sévillanas
until the wee hours of the morning...
Though the casetas are often private parties, and it is difficult for
tourists to get an invitation, it's in the alleys between the casetas
that the real party happens. The flamenco rhythms whip the crowd into
a frenzy of dance and good times. Don't be afraid to join in. You'll see.
It won't be long before someone grabs your hand and you're dancing with
the rest of them.
The spring Feria is also the beginning of bullfighting season. In the
famous Maestranza arena, the corridas and the toreadors demonstrate their
courage under the watchful eyes and "olés" of the very
demanding bullfighting aficionados.
Of course, going to Seville at this time of year is ideal if you want
to take part in the party atmosphere, but it's also peak tourist season.
So, don't forget to make your hotel reservations before you leave home. |
France :