Feria De Abril Sevilla 2012: Traditional Costumes At Seville's April Fair [PHOTOS]

The Feria de Abril de Sevilla (Seville April Fair) is in full swing in southern Spain as revelers flock to the Andalusian capital to celebrate in traditional Sevillana outfits. The fair takes place every year around two weeks after Easter (Semana Santa) and runs from Monday through Sunday.

Although the fair officially began on Monday at midnight, in past years the festivities have kicked off as early as Saturday. Each day of the fair begins with a parade of traditional carriages and riders at midday. The parade carries Seville's leading citizens to the bullring where bullfighters and breeders meet.

For a week the large fairgrounds as well as a vast area on the far side of the Guadalquivir river are covered in special tents called casetas. After partying all day in the streets, festivalgoers retreat to the individual tents later in the day to drink manzanilla wine and eat tapas.

The Feria de Abril dates back to 1847 when it began as a livestock fair organized by two Northern-Spain born councilors. Queen Isabel II agreed to their proposal and the first fair was held on April 18 on the city's outskirts. It only took one year for the livestock fair to turn into a party, and during the 1920s the fair began to resemble the full-blown spectacle it is today.

For the Feria de Abril men often dress in traditional 'traje corto' (short jacket, tight trousers and boots) and traditional hats called 'cordobes,' while women wear colorful flamenco dresses.

Wish you could attend the festival in person? I know I do -- maybe next year... For now, check out these photos direct from Seville, Spain.