Feria de Abril, the festival which lights up Seville

For those who don't know, a feria in Spanish is a bullfighting festival, during which lots of bullfights take place. Between them, you will find the Carmague races, the Landes races, as well as these very controversial fights. Taking place in Spain, in Portugal, but also in the South of France and Latin America, these bullfights are accompanied by a number of festivities. Therefore it doesn't matter whether or not you are for or against these events, since the feria is a lot more than just that!

Each year, one of the ferias which is the most celebrated in Spain takes place in Seville: the famous "Feria de Abril. Formerly a simple cattle fair, this event is now an unmissable event for Sevillians. However, these celebrations can quickly become hell for tourists who don't know much about them... So here are some things that you should know before rushing to Andalusia for the legendary feria.

Firstly, during the week of the feria the prices of accomodation soar. Everyone is looking for a hotel room or an apartment to rent during this time. So the demand is really high, and so it becomes even more expensive. Therefore, visiting Seville at this time of year isn't the cheapest option.

During the Feria, you will also see a spectacular increase in the number of tourists. If you are looking for some peace, to stay away from the hustle and bustle, there's no use! The town is in total excitement, day and night. As a result, the tourist sports are even more visited and the queues are even longer. You should go equipped with a lot of patience.

Also, you should know that the feria wouldn't be anything without its legendary "campo de feria" The whole town goes there every evening during that week. It is a giant 90 hectare space, specially set up each year for the event. You will find more than 1000 "casetas", giant canvas tents which are rented by rich families or by businesses, to demonstrate the extent of their power. In these nomad lounges, the guests try traditional dishes, drink regional wine and dance the sevillian until the end of the night. However, these tents are private and guarded: it is impossible for a tourist to enter, unless they are invited. Because of this kind of organisation, a lot of people believe that this festival is mainly reserved for the locals, and that it largely leaves out foreigners.

However, there are public tents which belong to the council, but they fill up ridiculously quickly. You will have to be one of the first to arrive if you want to have the chance to enter.

Though, be aware that if you are not convinced by the atmosphere of the field, it will be difficult to find something else. Basically the whole town goes there, including the bar and restaurant owners, who all close their doors for the night. To go out partying, you will have to settle for the famous Real.

Despite these flaws, the Feria de Abril is an unmissable event. Go dancing until the early hours of the morning and discover this unique atmosphere which lights up the towns during these ferias. Admire the traditional costumes of the Sevillians, and their magnificent horses adorned with decorations. Walk down the streets of the campo, which are completely lit up by red and white lanterns. Go back to your childhood thanks to the huge fun fair and its numerous attractions. Finally, finish off this week of festivities by admiring fabulous fireworks along the banks off the Guadalquivir river. The town lights up one last time and this marks the end of the feria, this picturesque and colourful festival.