The 38th April Fair of Catalonia 2009 will be celebrated from the Friday 24th April to Sunday 3rd May 2009 at the Forum Park area in Diagonal Mar in Barcelona
While the Feria de Abril de Catalunya does not have such an impact on Barcelona as the Andalucian ferias in the south of Spain, it is undeniably a very festive event for everyone living in, or visiting Barcelona.
The Feria has two main areas. One is the amusement park complete with ferris wheel, candy-floss, shooting galleries and other attractions. This has been moved down to the Forum bathing area in 2009 to avoid problems with neighbours. It is a bit smaller than previous years but the location is nicer with spectacular views from the Ferris wheel.
The heart of the Feria de Abril de Cataluny, however, are the many “casetas,” which means “ little houses.” These are striped marquee tents temporarily built on the forum fairground area.
There are usually around 70 casetas in the Feria de Abril de Cataluña which belong to various organisations and groups from banks to political parties and private organisations.
In each one you will find a full house of partying, singing and much dancing of "Sevillanas", the traditional dance of Andalucia.
Everyone joins in the dancing, from the youngest of grandchildren to the oldest of grandparents and the atmosphere is very festive.
Many of the dancers wear traditional costumes for the Feria adding to the atmosphere. For the men this is the traditional "traje de corto" (short jacket, tight trousers and boots)and the "faralaes" or "trajes de flamenco," which is a flamenco style dress, for the women
For a visitor it is a joy to watch and if you are a resident of Barcelona, then perhaps you should consider taking Sevillanas classes - Many dance schools offer classes each year in the months leading up to the Feria.
For sustenance between dances, the the big Spanish families sit at long tables and enjoy an abundance of Jerez sherry, or manzanilla wine, and tapas.
Other big draws to the La Feria de Abril de Catalunya events are the many concerts with famous Spanish singers and bands .
Opening times Feria de Abril de Catalunya 2009
Friday 24 April 18.00 to 04.15
Saturday 25 April 10.00 to 04.15
Sunday 26 April 10.00 to 02.00
Monday 27 April 18.00 to 02.00
Tuesday 28 April 18.00 to 02.00
Wednesday 29 April 18.00 to 02.00
Thursday 30 April 18.00 to 04.15
Friday 1 May (public holiday) 10.00 to 04.15
Saturday 2 May 10.00 to 04.15
Sunday 3 May 10.00 to 22.00
How to get to Feria de Abril de Catalunya at Parc Forum
By Tram. The Besos Tram line T4 has extra trams between 16.00 and 24.00 on 24th to 26th April and from 30th April till 3rd May. Click here to see T4 besos tram route. By Metro and by Bus
The nearest Metro station to the Feria is Maresme / Forum on Yellow L4. In the diagram below you can see the Metro timetable during Feria de Abril and the special Feria bus service between Plaza Catalunya and Feria de Abril grounds.
Bus route of special Feria de Abril de Catalunya bus service between Plaza Catalunya and Parc de Forum.