I have seen Rick's video of this festival. Has anyone been to this festival? Is there a best day to go to this festival? Is it somewhere where you spend just one day and evening or does it deserve more time? I have been to Seville before and stayed in the Barrio Santa Cruz. Any recommendation of where to stay to attend the festival? I have no problem taking a long walk between the hotel and the festival
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Florida, USA
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I spent a few days during the festival. The festival goes 24 hours. If there is a best day, it's probably opening night. A huge crowd gathers by the gate and they have a lot of Spanish celebrities and entertainers before the fair is officially opened. The fair stays lively until at least 4 AM.
I'd try to go at least once during the day also. During the day, horses and carriages are everywhere. Adults and children are dressed up in Flamenco dresses or Caballero outfits. This is one of the few areas I've felt under-dressed. Men and women who aren't in traditional costume wear nice suits and dresses. Women told me they own a closet full of flamenco dresses in various colors - mostly with traditional polka dots.
Everyone is friendly. We found it easy to get invited into a private casita (most commonly includes a cash bar and dancing). Just about everyone dances whenever music starts up. A lady there was more than happy to teach me the Sevillana (traditional local dance).
The fair is walking distance from downtown. The first night we walked, with mobs of people, from around the Plaza de Toros. We were staying near the stadium (Villamarin) so most of the time we walked part way and took a bus for the rest. The buses run all night during the fair.