With just under two weeks until the start of Seville's April Fair, stallholders and assemblers are intensifying their work on the booths. This edition is seen as a prelude to the future expansion of the Real, scheduled for next year. Despite initial delays caused by heavy rains in early February, the assembly pace has recovered, and everything is progressing as planned.
“"This weekend, the owners will start decorating the interior of the booths."
The Association of Stallholders (Atica) estimates an average price increase of 10% for the Fair. Cristóbal Tripero, the association's president, noted that this increase was already experienced during Holy Week and reminded that booth costs rise annually.
Despite the high anticipation, Tripero has expressed concern about the lack of qualified professionals in the hospitality sector to meet the high demand from the booths. He highlighted that while many local hoteliers used to be able to combine their work, it is now necessary to bring in staff from outside, mentioning Extremadura and the Provincia de Sevilla as main origins for new waiters.
This situation has led to increased demand for accommodation around the Fair. Tripero lamented that the proliferation of tourist apartments and flats makes it difficult for workers to find nearby lodging, to the extent that some had to sleep in vans last year. This scenario of growing demand could intensify with the expansion of the Real.
“"It is a festival that does not understand divisions; it only understands having a good time and joy."
The pre-fair activities will maintain the tradition of meals and dinners among booth owners and members. As a new feature, for the third consecutive year, the Seville Fair Proclamation, organized by Ática, will be held. This event will take place on April 15 at 8:00 PM at CaixaForum de Sevilla and will be delivered by journalist Cristóbal Cervantes, taking over from Antonio García Barbeito and Mario Niebla del Toro. The presentation will be led by José Antonio Rodríguez, the Holy Week crier.
