Else Beekman
The ‘Seville Fair 2025’ kicks off tonight with the traditional lighting of thousands of bulbs. After eight years, the city returns to a shorter version of its famous spring celebration. A change that sparks division among locals, business owners, and organisers. While some praise the more compact format, others fear financial losses and overcrowding.
Supporters of the new format, including many ‘caseta’ (marquee) holders, welcome its return. They argue the extended version had become exhausting and costly for local families, with many spending up to €3,000 during the week. They also criticised overcrowding and an influx of low-spending tourists that, in their view, diluted the Fair’s traditional spirit.
Business owners raise concerns
In contrast, hospitality and fairground sectors are raising concerns. According to 20Minutos, David Martín, head of the Feria Hospitality Association, predicts a 20% drop in sales this year. “We’ve lost our two strongest days, Sunday and Monday,” he said. Fairground operators also fear visitor numbers will now be compressed into fewer days, making crowd management difficult.
Mixed views among fairground operators
Even within sectors, opinions vary. Some fairground business owners say opening over the May Day weekend still gives them strong early trading. Rain delays during set-up meant the later start date offered breathing room for caseta construction crews, who welcomed the extra time to finish work.
Fiestas, ferias and celebrations in Spain 2025
Transport and access improvements
The city has introduced new transport options to ease access, including a non-stop shuttle from Sevilla Este and increased metro services running 24/7. New taxi ranks and adjusted bus routes are also in place.
While the lights go on tonight as tradition demands, the future format of the Seville Fair remains a live debate—balancing economic, cultural, and logistical pressures.
Seville Fair essential visitor information
For first-time visitors and seasoned fairgoers alike, navigating the Feria can be a challenge. Public casetas—open to all—are dotted across the grounds, including those hosted by the City Council and local districts. These offer a lively, accessible way to experience the Fair without needing a personal invitation.
The official map of the Feria includes 15 main streets, all named after historic bullfighters, to help guests stay oriented. Meanwhile, the centrepiece gateway for 2025—designed by Pablo Escudero—pays homage to the Chile Pavilion from the 1929 Ibero-American Expo, blending art deco and neo-pre-Columbian design.
Visitors can expect to pay around €12 for a jug or €5 for a glass of rebujito—the Fair’s iconic drink made with manzanilla sherry and lemonade. Fairground rides in the Calle del Infierno range from €3.50 for children to €7 for major attractions. Quiet hours for sensory-friendly access are available Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 1.00 pm to 7.00 pm.
The metro and special bus lines provide direct, continuous access to the Fair, while parking is available at Charco de la Pava for €8 per day, with a free shuttle to the Fairground.
And for those looking to take in a bullfight, the Real Maestranza hosts daily events throughout the week with leading matadors on the bill.
Whether you’re dancing in the casetas, sampling local dishes, or riding the Ferris wheel, the Seville Fair remains a rich, colourful celebration of Andalusian culture—whatever its format.
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