There’s something about the transitional seasons that produces the best fairs. Spring and autumn both tingle with anticipation of what’s to come – celebrating the coming of new light, as well as its waning.
Few places celebrate spring with as much unabashed brio as the good citizens of Seville. Seville Feria is in full swing starting today, April 24. It runs and (mostly) dances through Sunday, April 29. The affair centers on Los Remedios, southwest of the city and close to the River Guadalquivir.
Bullfights, Seville society and nonstop socializing set the tone for this fabulous feria. If you don’t like to dance, drink and eat just a bit, and stay up to the wee hours of the morning you’ll want nothing to do with Seville Feria. It’s no place for introverts.
Emblematic of the all-out revelry for which this feria is famous is sevillana – a flamboyant, colorful species of song and dance. The ladies don elaborate, flowing dresses which swirl to three-quarters rhythm. Sevillana is subtly sensuous, tastefully tantalizing – in perfect keeping with the essence of Seville Feria itself.
As for access, if you’ve just got to drive (not recommended, believe us) leave your vehicle at a remote car park and shuttle in. Elect to take a taxi and expect to pay high-demand prices. Perhaps the best option is the Metro. There are a couple of nearby stops: Plaza de Cuba, and Parque de los Principes.
Hands down, the most stylish way to arrive is via carriage. It will set you back a bit, but it’s worth it.
In search of a nonstop from the United States to Seville itself? OAG indicates there are none. One option is to fly Iberia from one of its U.S. gateways—Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami or New York Kennedy—and connect over Madrid. Iberia is a member of the oneworld alliance.
Story by Jerry Chandler
(Images: Tom Raftery)
