Feria is full of casetas - tents that are both public and private. Each caseta is "owned" by someone - a group of friends, a business, the city, etc. The majority of the casetas are private, which means you need a ticket to get in. However, there are some public ones as well. The casetas truly are little houses! The front half is set up with tables, chairs, and a dance space. The back half usually includes the bar. There is always a competition to decide the best-decorated caseta - they are amazing!
One of many rows of casetas
People spend hours and hours in the casetas, eating, drinking, and dancing Sevillanos - a specific style of flamenco dancing. Women are dressed in full flamenco attire - dresses, shoes, flowers, earrings, hair pieces - the works! They look absolutely stunning! Most Spanish men wear fabulous suits. (Of course, you can wear anything to Feria, but this type of dress is the most typical.)
In addition to the casetas, there is also Calle Infierno (Hell Street), which is full of carnival-style rides like ferris wheels, bumper cars, and roller coasters. And, because this is Spain, most of these rides do not have the safety features you would find in the US (e.g. lap bars)! Apparently they are pretty great for an adrenaline rush! During the afternoon, it is often common to find people on horseback, enjoying the day.
At midnight on Monday, all of the lights of Feria were turned on, el alumbrado, signaling the official start of the festivities. It was beautiful! From now on, the majority of Seville can be found in Los Remedios, enjoying rebujitos (manzanilla and sprite - a delicious, but dangerous combination!), dancing Sevillanos, and having a fantastic party. I can't wait to experience more of it!
La Portada - lit up!
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