Feria in the south of Spain

Like Semana Santa, the Feria (or fair) is a quintessential part of spring in the south of Spain. Originally the feria was the time when people would come to the big city from the countryside and bring their livestock to sell. So many people gathered was a time for celebration. Sevilla´s feria is probably the most famous and largest in this region. It is happening as we speak (write) and goes on for about a week during which we aren´t working, yay! For some it is the social event of the season or even the year. There are people who live for the feria and wait for it all year long. The feria consists of getting dressed up (for women this usually means a flamenco dress) and going to hang out in a tent called a caseta. They play typical music and you drink, eat, dance, socialize. There is a very festive atmosphere during the day and at night. Kids can ride carnival rides, you can spend a lot of money. For those who like it, there is nothing better. Like a lot of cultural phenomena here, I am sort of ambivalent about the whole thing.

Here we are at the entrance to feria in Mairena. There is always a big lighted portal to walk under. Festive.

Jose´s hometown celebrates their feria the weekend before the big one in Sevilla. It is the first feria in Spain. We went and spent Saturday there since for us it is much more manageable (see less exclusive and less expensive). All of Jose´s friends and their respective partners were there so we got to see them, plus his sister was in town. The nice thing about Mairena´s feria is that most of the casetas are public, unlike Sevilla´s feria where you need to know someone to get in anywhere. We were able to see everyone, enjoy some food and drinks and have fun.

Enjoying some buñuelos (fried dough) at the end of the night.