♪ Listen to your heart beat to the rhythm of Andalusia, it’s “Feria de Abril” again! ♪
The “Feria de Abril” is one of the most important cultural parties of Spain, most prominently celebrated in the region of Andalusia in the South of Spain. Each major city in Spain has its own “Feria de Abril” traditions, including Málaga, Córdoba, Valencia and, of course, Seville. What was once a festival most typical to Sevilla and Southern Spain began to spread to the rest of the country during the 19th century, due to Andalusian migrants who proudly brought with them their own culture to whatever they city they ended up in. This week is the time to remember the origin of Andalusian culture and to take some time to respect it.
The year 2016 will mark the 45th annual “Feria de Abril” of Barcelona and in the Catalan capital the festival will take place in the Park del Forum between the 22th and the 1st of May. This celebration is organized by the “FECAC” (Federación de Entidades Culturales Andaluzas en Catalunya (in english: Andalusian Federation of Cultural and Entities in Catalonia).
The History of the “Feria de Abril” in Barcelona
Feria de Abril is a fair that originates in Seville, a region and city located in the south of Spain. Between 1846 and 1847, two businessmen, one Catalan and one Basque, created an agriculture fair at the fair in Seville. Years after certain associations of migrants arrived in Barcelona from Andalusia, and began to create their own version of that fair. Barcelona´s Feria de Abril has thus grown over the years to become the second largest Feria de Abril in Spain, just after Seville, but before Màlaga and Córdoba (two cities from Andalusia, also situated in the South of Spain). Due to the evolution of Spain, organizers have introduced to the “Feria de Abril” new activities such as dress horse demonstrations, bullfights, musical and dance performances and the increasingly popular human towers, guaranteed to make your heart beat. Due to the recession and economic crisis of 2008-2014, the fair experienced some severe budget cuts in several consecutive years. After some discussion with the Barcelona town hall, however, the “Feria de Abril” will take place once again this year.
This fair contributes to the continuity of the influences of the descendants of Andalusian migrants, also known as “Andalanes” or “Cataluces”. Sometime the province of Barcelona is even called the “ninth Andalusian province”.
Features of the Barcelona “Feria de Abril”
During these 10 days, the fair will host approximately 70 booths dedicated to demonstrations, dances such as the “Sevillanas” (a typical dance from Seville) or the “Flamenco”, and the restoration of typical dishes from Andalusia, such as the rebujito, which is a typical drink made by mixing manzanilla wine with a refreshing drink soda like Sprite or 7Up. It is typically consumed with treats such as “fried fish”. The fair will also host a wide range of cooks, who will prepare dishes from all over Spain. Walking around this fair, you will find it very friendly indeed, with a nice little row of small tents decorated with the colors of Andalusia (white and green, or white and red) and emitting typical andalusian music and the delicious smells of Andalusian food.
Join us this week to learn more about Andalusian culture, a fascinating mix of Spanish and Arabic origins, a culture rich in history and know-how.
“So, put on your best Spanish suit, and join us for a Flamenco dance on a wonderful and sunny day in Barcelona!”
If you plan to visit Barcelona during the “Feria de Abril” and you are seeking an accommodation for a few day, or even more, please take a look to our apartments in Diagonal Mar.
How to get to the “Feria de Abril”
By tram: T4 – The Besos
By metro: L4 – Maresme – Yellow line
By bus: extra buses will be available during this fair, please take a look to the website of TMB (link not found for this year)
Photo Credit: grouptravel.es
Featured Photo Credit: retroblogbarcelona.com