Seville Fair

Origins and history

Two local council members conceived the event in 1846 as an agricultural livestock gathering. Following approval by the Spanish crown under Isabel II, the initial market opened in April 1847 at the Prado de San Sebastián. Within a year, social pavilions were erected by regional nobles, the municipal council, and local clubs, steering the gathering toward festivity. Over subsequent decades, particularly during the 1920s, the event transformed from an animal market into a broad cultural celebration. By 1973, the growing event relocated across the Guadalquivir River to the dedicated Real de la Feria district.

How the fair unfolds

Festivities commence on Monday evening with a communal supper of fried fish known as the noche del pescaíto. At midnight, thousands of light bulbs illuminate the monumental temporary gateway, a ceremony known as the alumbrao. Over a thousand individual canvas pavilions, or casetas, line streets named after celebrated bullfighters. These private and club spaces host lively gatherings with music and sevillanas folk dancing that continue until early morning. By day, horse riders and horse-drawn carriages parade through the avenues, transporting notable locals toward the historic bullring of La Real Maestranza.

Food, drink and amusements

Social life within the pavilions centres on shared platters and regional beverages. Guests enjoy small plates of tapas alongside glasses of dry sherry, manzanilla, and rebujito, a refreshing mixed drink made with wine. Outside the maze of pavilions, the fairground borders a bustling attraction park known colloquially as Hell Road, or Calle del Infierno. This amusement zone features rollercoasters, games of skill, and a circus positioned near the nearby public park, providing varied entertainment for crowds that number in the millions over the six-day celebration.

How Seville Fair is kept

Celebrations begin on Monday evening with shared fried fish dinners, followed at midnight by the ceremonial illumination of the entrance arch. Each day at midday, horse riders and carriage processions traverse the fairgrounds heading toward the bullring. In the evening, crowds assemble inside hundreds of decorated marquee tents to socialize, share tapas, and dance the sevillanas until dawn. Visitors also frequent the adjoining fairground amusements and rides, which run throughout the week until the festival concludes on Sunday.

When and where

The festival takes place every spring, starting two weeks after Easter Holy Week. It officially opens on Monday at midnight and continues for six days through Sunday.

The celebration is held in Seville, Spain, at the Real de la Feria, a dedicated site covering twenty-four blocks between the Los Remedios and Tablada neighbourhoods on the far bank of the Guadalquivir River.

On the table

• fried fish
• tapas
• sherry
• manzanilla
• rebujito

Days Seville Fair is marked

Questions people ask about Seville Fair

See also

CremàThe ceremonial burning of large artistic street monuments across the Valencian communityCandlemasA Christian feast of candle blessings marking the end of the Christmas seasonHalloweenAn annual observance on 31 October marking the eve of All Saints' Day, rooted in Christian tradition and Celtic heritageNowruzThe Iranian new year at the March equinox, kept with fire, greenery and picnics

Good reading and sources

• Seville Fair on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
• Wikidata recordOpen data

It may contain mistakes. Traditions differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-04.