Feria de Abril 2026: Final Preparations Underway as the 'Portada' Takes Shape

The Transformation of Los Remedios

With exactly one week to go until the 2026 edition of the Feria de Abril, the *Real de la Feria* in the district of Los Remedios has become a hive of activity. Thousands of workers are currently putting the finishing touches on the more than 1,000 *casetas* (marquees) that will serve as the heartbeat of the city for six nights of dancing, dining, and socialising. This year's fair, which officially kicks off at midnight on Sunday, 19 April, is expected to be one of the largest in the event's history.

The star of the show, the *Portada* (the monumental entrance gate), is now nearly complete. Each year, the gate is designed to commemorate a different aspect of Seville's heritage, and the 2026 design pays homage to the 100th anniversary of several landmark buildings from the 1929 Ibero-American Exhibition. For visitors, the moment the 220,000 lightbulbs are switched on during the *Alumbrado* ceremony remains the most magical experience in the Andalusian calendar.

Advice for First-Timers and Expats

For those new to the city, the Feria can be a bewildering experience. Unlike other Spanish festivals, many of the *casetas* are private, belonging to families, businesses, or social clubs. However, the city council has increased the number of public *casetas* for 2026, ensuring that tourists and those without private invitations can still enjoy the atmosphere. These public tents are located on streets like Pascual Márquez and Antonio Bienvenida and offer the full experience of *rebujito* (sherry and lime soda) and *Sevillanas* dancing.

If you are planning to attend, remember that the daytime 'Paseo de Caballos' (Horse Parade) is the time to see the city's elite in traditional dress and horse-drawn carriages. As the sun sets, the focus shifts to the night-time party, which often lasts until dawn. Comfortable footwear is essential, but so is a nod to the dress code—while full Flamenco dress is not required for visitors, an effort to dress smartly is expected and appreciated by the locals.

Logistics and Transport

To cope with the influx of millions of visitors, the Seville Metro will once again provide a 24-hour service throughout the fair. Special bus shuttle lines will also connect the city centre and the major hotels to the fairground. With the 'Alumbrado' fast approaching, the city is already filled with the scent of fried fish and the sound of castanets, as the *Noche del Pescaíto* (the traditional inaugural dinner) on Monday evening marks the unofficial start of what promises to be a legendary week.

Source: ABC de Sevilla, 13 April 2026