Click here to visit the organisers website (in Spanish) The Feria de Abril de Catalunya is essentially a local Barcelona version of the renowned Andalusian ferias, the most famous of which lays waste to Sevilla every year in April.
While the Feria de Abril de Catalunya does not have such an impact on Barcelona as the ferias down south, it is a very festive event for everyone living in, or visiting Barcelona.
The Feria has two main areas. One is the huge amusement park complete with ferris wheel, candy-floss and shooting galleries and other attractions.
The heart of the Feria de Abril de Catalunya however, are the lines of “casetas,” which means “ little houses.” which are individually decorated marquee tents temporarily built on the forum fairground area.
There are 80 casetas in the Feria de Abril de Cataluña 2008. They belong to various organisations and groups from banks to politcal parties.
During the Feria they open around nine at night and can stay open until six or seven the following morning. 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. 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, but even if you bought or rented the outfits, it would be difficult to enjoy to the full without knowing the Sevillanas dance steps. If you are a resident of Barcelona then many dance schools offer classes each year in the months leading up to the Feria.
For sustenance between dances, the whole family is seated at long tables enjoying 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 artists.
Visit the organisers website for more information about concerts, artists, opening times and transport.
