Feria 2012 has begun in Sevilla. It’s the annual spring fair, first held in 1846. I’ve been invited by Albert to one of the “casetas,” private marquee tents owned by a group of friends, a company, or an association. Members and their guests use the spaces for eating, drinking, and dancing. San Geraldo has of course been invited, as well. But we all know a small caseta filled with partiers will not be his idea of a good time. Albert (wise man) suggested I check it out on my own tonight and decide if it’s something I think Jerry would enjoy.
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| A PEAK INSIDE THE DRY-CLEANERS YESTERDAY. |
In addition to the invitation-only casetas, there are several open to the public; those are sponsored by companies or by each of the neighborhoods of the city. There are a total of 1,040 casetas this year. One thousand forty!
The rest of the week will be spent exploring the entire fair by day and night — the equestrian displays, the rides, the food, the games (Jerry hopes to find his rubber-frog and catapult game… more about that later), the costumes, the singing, the dancing.
As for tonight, I have been forewarned by Albert (my host and resident expert on everything Sevillano) that:
1) I should be prepared to party through the night (well, I can at least last longer than San Geraldo); and
2) I need to “dress” (sports jacket) or the portero (doorman) will not let me enter the caseta no matter who I know inside.
So, I’ve got my outfit selected and will even iron a shirt for the occasion. I’m wearing a jacket and tie. But, given what I saw on the streets Saturday, I wonder if ‘traditional’ flamenco in hot pink would be a better choice. Nope, pink is not my color. Anyway, I really don’t think it’s what Albert had in mind when he said “dress.” Besides, Lola will be there looking stunning I’m sure in her flamenco dress and I wouldn’t want to steal any of her thunder.
Hello Mitch:
Whatever, we are certain that you will cut a dash tonight but do think that you should, in some way, aim to be just that touch more distinctive than anyone else. After all, as we all are, you are a foreigner in a foreign land and so cannot be expected to conform exactly. What is more, as an American, much will be expected!!
That said, will we be treated to a photograph, or two?!!
J&L:
I hope to not completely fade into the woodwork (but that's not in my nature). And I promise you a photo … or ten!
Yes, 'dress' not 'a dress'.
It's a subtle, yet important difference.
And, we'll you be partying at all 1,040 casetas?
That would be a challenge!
Oh, now I get it! Thanks for the clarification. That's one important little "a."
As for all 1,040: Other than the few public casetas, I can only party where I'm invited. And given that I've been invited to what I'm sure is the very best one of all… who needs the other 1,039!
What a good friend you are for not out-shinning the lovely Lola. Let someone else be the pretty one every once in a while.
Enjoy!
m.
Mark:
Of course. Besides, Lola doesn't like being upstaged (as if I could).
I love your city where the fun never stops. I hope last night's party was as good as you expected.
the cuby poet:
It hasn't happened yet; it's tonight. I'm about to start my siesta in preparation for it.
Well I still hope the party was a good one!
This sounds like a ton of fun. I hope you have a great time and regale us all with your stories. I look forward to reading all about it.
Scott
Scott:
Thanks for kindly asking to be regaled, since you know I will whether you ask or not!
The tradition calls for "una bata de lunares" but you won't be able to wear your stillettos with it…lol
I wish I was there.
saludos,
raulito
http://fromtop2bttm.blogspot.com/
Raulito:
So, my stilettos and polka dots won't go together? I guess I'll stick with the blazer and tie; the stilettos look great with that combo.
Wow! I think you should begin to journal about the days in Seville when there is no festival or special celebration! It seems as though they just have too much fun there!
Kristi:
I really do understand why so many people told me, before I had ever set eyes on Sevilla, that it was their favorite city in the world.
I'm glad you're enjoying yourself. What a happy place you live in!
Ms. Sparrow:
This week, especially, is pure celebration.
Just one thing Mitch, if you're going to wear heels then please, please, please practice walking in them before you go out …
The Owl Wood:
I cannot even imagine attempting it.
When I was a boy, The Dowager Duchess, lived in 4-inch heels. She was so used to them that even her house slippers had to have heels or she felt like she was falling over backwards. Now, she lives in sneakers. I had no idea how short she was!
Mitch, you are going to have a blast! And PLEASE don't forget the photos of you all dressied up. Look forward to the next chapters in this adventure. Have fun!
Jim:
It WAS a blast. I hate pictures of myself (unless they're really old), but I did post one.
Would love to see photos of everyone all dressed up!
Carole:
I just posted a bunch. More to come after our day-time visits to the fair this week.
As it happens I don't like suit jackets but I love vests made of fine or ethnic fabrics — were I to show up at a caseta in a great silk shirt and a handsome vest, would I be let in?
Will:
They were very specific about it being a "jacket." I love vests, too, but I don't currently have any.
Just remember : nice girls don't wear cha cha heels.
Ur-spo:
I wore cha cha toes.
Here's hoping for photos of you all dressed up
kisatrtle:
There's only one. That's what happens with me being keeper of the camera!
Definitely the red one Mitch. As long as we don't clash.
Chris:
Clearly, no one gives a thought to "clashing"!
Looking forward to your posts
Peter:
I just did the first. More to come!
It's just one party after another…how do you do it?
I'm just a party animal, Frank. (And then I take a two-hour nap the next day.)