After the Holy Week processions, Andalusia prepares for another of the peak moments of its calendar, the April Fair. A festivity that celebrates 52 editions since it was also implemented in the Catalan capital in 1971. From April 25 to May 4, casetas, sevillanas, and flamenco dresses will once again flood 87,000 square meters of the Parc del Fòrum in Barcelona to celebrate Andalusian culture.
As a novelty, this year, the event, organized by the Federation of Andalusian Cultural Entities of Catalonia (FECAC) ---which groups 106 entities---, will no longer be free. To access, an entrance fee of three euros per day or a 12-euro pass valid for all days of the April Fair must be paid. Tickets must be purchased online or at the venue's ticket offices, and exceptionally on April 28 and 29, access will be free.
A symbolic entrance fee that will be invested in improving the security and accessibility of the venue. Thus, the number of security guards and access control personnel will be increased by 23% and video surveillance cameras will be installed throughout the venue, to prevent violent accidents in the surroundings from recurring as in its previous edition.
The organization has also wanted to expand the venue, occupying almost 90,000 square meters, to accommodate a growing number of visitors. In fact, in 2024 more than a million people experienced the fair, having to hang the full capacity sign for several nights. This year, the daily capacity will be increased by 22% compared to its previous edition, reaching 40,000 people daily.
Andalusian culture in its maximum splendor
The venue will be divided into two spaces to enjoy Andalusian culture in its maximum splendor. On the one hand,the Real will host a hundred stands of Andalusian entities, where flamenco shows and live music will not be missing to ensure a festive atmosphere.It will also have gastronomic areas, where you can taste everything from gazpacho to "pescaíto", and commercial spaces for the different entities, occupying an area of 54,000 square meters of the Parc del Fòrum.The space known as "la calle del Infierno" (Hell Street) will be the area that hosts the popular fair, with 125 attractions for all audiences, from the traditional Ferris wheel to attractions for feeling authentic adrenaline.
In addition to live music and shows, the April Fair will also feature a novelty in the program, joining the celebration of Gazpacho Day, on Sunday, April 27, when more than 1,800 liters of this traditional dish will be distributed free of charge for each consumption made in one of the hundred stands. In addition, in the FECAC youth stand, salmorejo will also be a protagonist, serving as a base for different montaditos.
With the idea of growing in number of visitors and space, this year the April Fair has also wanted to extend its hours to enjoy Andalusian culture day and night. Thus, on Saturday 26, Tuesday 29, Friday 2 and Saturday 3, it will open from ten in the morning until 3 in the morning, while on Sunday 27, Monday 28, Wednesday 30, Thursday 1 and Sunday 4, the venue will close at midnight.
Due to the April Fair, Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB) will reinforce public transport services, especially line L4, which will increase the number of trains on the days the event is held. In addition to the metro, it is also recommended to reach the Parc del Fòrum by bus, with lines H16, V29, V31, V33, 7 or 136.