Feria de Abril & Flamenco Dancing
This weekend in our small little pueblo (village) was a celebration called Feria de Abril. This fair happens two weeks after Semana Santa (Holy Week). It originally started in the city of Seville but has spread to many other cities and pueblos around Spain. In our little pueblo, it was a day that included a tapas crawl, music, shows, and a flamenco dance competition. The day started at noon (morning time for Spaniards) in the town square with a live concert. People gathered in the outdoor seating of the bars and restaurants around the perimeter of the square. Everyone sat listening to the music and enjoyed tapas as others began dancing in front of the stage.
After Spanish lunch (2 to 4 pm) there was a flamenco dancing competition. This competition had everyone from small kids to retired adults competing. The chicas (ladies) wear elaborate and bright vibrantly colored dresses while the chicos (guys) wear suits.
While the judges deliberated the scores, there was a live flamenco show by a professional flamenco dancer the pueblo asked to come. Her act included singing and dancing as the contestants performed alongside her. The show ended as the crowd gathered around the performers in the back of the town square and everyone danced together.
As I walked the plaza photographing this cultural event, I was stopped by several people who wanted me to create their photos.
Please let us know what you think in the comments below.
