Seville Spring Fair: glossary of terms

Here is a Seville Spring Fair glossary that will help you understand the insights of the Feria de Abril and, most importantly, feel like a local!

Albero – Yellow sand typical from the region that covers the ground of the Recinto. It is also used in bullrings and parks. Unfortunately it can get dusty in the hot weather and it turns to mud when it rains. Its color is the symbol of Sevilla.

Alumbrado – The moment in which the major turns on the Portada’s lights and the rest of the fairground. It always takes place at midnight on a Monday and it marks the official beginning of the Feria.

Caseta – Individually decorated private marquee tent owned by a group of friends, a company or an association, whose members and their guests use to eat, drink and dance.

El Pescaito – Dinner organized by feriantes on Monday night in their caseta to celebrate the first official night of the Feria. The main courses are fried fish (boquerones, adobo, pijotas).

Farolillo – Colored paper lantern used to decorate the casetas and streets of the Recinto. They are usually red, green or white balls.

Feriante – Person who attends the Feria, it is generally used to name the members of the casetas.

Paseo de Caballos – A parade of horses and carriages that takes place every day. They follow an official route which only horses and carriages are allowed to take from 12:00 to 20:00.

Portada – Literally “front” or “façade”. Name of the 50-meter-high entrance arch. It has a different design theme each year and is lit up every evening at dusk.

Portero – Literally “doorman”. Each caseta has one and his main task is to let people in or not.

Recinto Ferial – Area where the fair takes place.

Real de la Feria – Official name of the Recinto.

Rebujito – Beverage consisting of manzanilla (dry sherry from Sanlucar de Barrameda) and lemonade (e.g. Sprite or 7up), served in a jug and drunk out of small glasses.

Sevillana – Traditional, flamenco-style dance of the Feria divided into four parts.

Tablao – Usually, it is the place where you’ll see the professional and choreographed shows. In this case, however, it also refers to the wooden platform located inside the caseta where feriantes dance Sevillanas.

Read more about the Seville Fair, its insights and have a look at my tips with a view to experiencing this social event.