Feria 2017, By Brianna Cervizzi

From the eyes of an outsider, Feria 2017 was a weeklong experience full of surprises and enchantment. Women dressed in flamenco attire from head to toe, trajes de flamenco, filled the numerous streets of the fairgrounds while the men accompanied them in suits of all colors. Peaking into the private casetas you could feel the passion couples had as they danced traditional sevillianas or enjoyed rebujito together—the famous drink of Feria. Although everyone knew it’s probably not proper treatment of animals, even the horses were adorned with special flowers and bells as they trotted down the streets with carriages in tow.
I was lucky enough to have my own authentic night of Feria complete with a handsome Spaniard and a bedtime of 7am. This guy I went on a few dates with throughout my time in Sevilla invited me to meet him at one of the casetas. After my friends got acquainted with him, he took me by the hand and led me in to where I was met with what seemed like endless young couples dancing and laughing. We joined the group on the dance floor and I spent the rest of the night learning how to dance sevillanas and sipping on rebujitos. I felt like I was in the right place at that moment.
While I did not pay mind to the actual fair side of Feria with the rides and crazy carnival games, the chocolate con churros and the buñelos were better than ever. I kept thinking how bizarre it was that the entire city essentially shuts down for the week. However, after attending for myself I feel so grateful that I got the opportunity to be a part of Feria and I can see why the natives here continue to love it year after year.