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Why is the April Fair in May this year?
In 2014, Seville's famous April Fair will be held in May. Why is this? We'll tell you what factors are taken into account in the calendar for this celebration.
One of the most famous Spanish festivals is, without a doubt, the colorful April Fair. I’m sure you know it: the fairgrounds, called “El Real,” in Seville's Los Remedios neighborhood fill with "casetas" (tents) where you can taste the popular fino and manzanilla wines, eat tapas, enjoy flamenco shows... it's a fair you must visit at least once in your life. And if you do it dressed in traditional outfits and suits, all the better.
That said, if you’re thinking of coming and are already packing your bags, wait a moment... at least in 2014. We know it sounds strange, but the 2014 April Fair will actually be in May.
“How can this be?” you might ask. The answer is simple: by rule, the fair must begin two weeks after Holy Week (Semana Santa). There are several reasons for this, ranging from the purely logistical—so Seville isn't overcrowded with tourists wanting to see both events at once—to the spiritual, as people need time for reflection before the big party.
This year, Holy Week has been particularly late, with Maundy Thursday falling on April 17th and Good Friday on April 18th (we recommend the article on our website where we explain why the date of Holy Week changes).
This situation has happened before, and because of the desire for the fair to actually take place in April, there is usually only a one-week gap. However, in 2014, the Seville City Council decided to maintain the two-week break even if the fair starts in May, following discussions with tourism industry professionals who believe this will attract more visitors.
So now you know: you still have time to properly prepare your visit to one of our most international fairs. And if you can't make it this year and are worried about the dates shifting, don't worry—it’s always announced well in advance.