Feria de Abril brings Andalusia to Barcelona

The Feria de Abril (April Fair) is one of the largest spring celebrations held in Catalonia, and this year it reaches its 14th edition in Barcelona's Parc del Fòrum venue.

A simulacrum of the original fair held in the city of Seville, Barcelona's version of the event will celebrate the culture of Spain's southern region of Andalusia until May 5.

The fair, which has been held in other places around Catalonia, goes back to 1971, when migrants from Andalusia and their descendants began their own spring celebration.

In fact, over the years, Catalonia's version of the event has steadily grown until it has now become the second largest spring fair in the whole of Spain.

Modern and multicultural

FECAC, the Federation of Andalusian Cultural Groups in Catalonia, which organizes the fair, says it hopes the event will grow larger in the next few years, while "gaining in modernity."

One of the fair's features are the 'casetas' or tents set up by different cultural and political associations, serving food and often featuring traditional Andalusian dance and music.

In recent years, the Feria has also become more multicultural, attracting contemporary immigrant groups, as well as plenty of tourists keen to enjoy some authentic flamenco.

Andalusian delicacies

Another attraction of the fair is the traditional Andalusian dishes served in the 'casetas', from 'pescaíto frito' (small battered fish) to calamari rings and the punch known as 'sangria'.

One thing that singles out Catalonia's fair, which occupies an enormous space measuring 87,000 m², is that entrance to the event is entirely free.