The summer fairs of Andalusia

All over the region of Andalusia, starting in late spring and lasting throughout the whole summer, there are uncountable fairs to visit since almost every city and town has its own, unique way to celebrate the fair.

What is typical of all the fairs of Andalusia is the tradition of casetas (tents) and flamenco dresses. Almost all women dress up in colorful flamenco dresses and men put on their most elegant suits.

The casetas are a big part of the fair where one goes together with family, friends etc and put up and decorate their own caseta where they serve tapas, drinks and dance all day and night during the whole week. If you visit during this time you will be really lucky to see all of the designs of flamenco costumes worn proudly by the local women.

Seville is the capital of Andalusia and the place where it has all started. Still, up to this day, every April Seville hosts a huge event during which all hotels raise their price 2-3 times higher than the normal rate and they are all fully booked.

Cordoba is another ancient city where the fair dates back to medieval times. The fair usually means that the shops are closed during the week, and that all the bars and restaurant move out to the street in the city. So the city center is one part of the fair but on the outskirts of Cordoba you can party in a huge, artificial ‘city’ - area of all the casetas and the traditional attractions found all over Europe such as carousels and other amusements. Cordoba’s fair happens in the end of May.

Feria of Malaga is another fair you should see at least once in your life. It takes place in August and it actually has two parts: Night Fair and Day Fair. Malaga divides into two different zones of party – Night Fair takes place in the Cortijo de Torres district and the Day Fair spread all around the historical part of the city centre.

Which flowers are in fashion this year? Hortensias and peonies.

Each flamenco dress can be accompanied with lot of accessories but the essential one is a flower pinned to hair. Traditionally roses and carnations were used, whether natural or fabric, always matching the material and color of the dress. In recent years, however, the flowers have changed and it’s good to  follow the new trends so you don’t look the same every year.

Peonies started to be popular couple of years ago. If your flamenco dress is made of reds and pinks, a natural peony in a similar color is a perfect match. What’s more it makes your look unique and elegant because of its special petals and facture of the flower.

Another flower that has been widely used in recent years, known for its beauty and versatility (it looks good with all kind of hairstyles) is the hydrangea (commonly known as hortensia). If you want more natural look you can choose less artificial colors such as white, pink or blue. They look very good on your hair, worn in a traditional way or above the ear as well.

If the flamenco dress is another color we can always choose accessories and supplements which will match the dress. Artificial hortensias or peonies come with all the colors you can imagine. If you already have one you can even paint it in the color you wish in order to fit into current trends.

The important thing is finding the right color and choose a right size of the flower that goes well with other accessories and that it looks natural and elegant. You can also use various small flowers and make a combination of different shades that contrast with the dress, using for example big hortensia in the middle and small flowers to form a bouquet around. Combining tradition and new trends will look outstanding in the Real de la Feria.

Cómo cambiar el vestido de flamenca gracias a los complementos

Pensar en la Feria es pensar en el vestido de flamenca, los volantes, el mantón, las flores y los pendientes. Los accesorios que añadimos al look no pueden faltar y a veces son determinantes para darle al vestido ese toque que le faltaba. Y es que la moda flamenca no puede entenderse sin los complementos. Aunque muchas personas no le dan la importancia que tienen, es posible transformar el look y que parezca que llevamos dos vestidos completamente diferentes. 

Flores 

La flor que adorna el pelo de la flamenca nunca puede faltar. Lo tradicional es un recogido con gomina y la flor en la parte superior de la cabeza, que suele ser una rosa o un clavel de tela. Pero desde hace unos años, las flores naturales van ganando terreno y se ven más variedad de plantas. Los ramilletes hechos con pequeñas flores están muy de moda y dan un toque elegante siempre que tengan unos colores complementarios a nuestro vestido y nuestro pelo. También podemos llevar pequeñas flores en peinetas pequeñitas que ayudan a fijar el moño. 

Pendientes 

Los pendientes son los complementos por excelencia de la moda flamenca. Desde los tradicionales aros hasta joyas llenas de pedrería, unos buenos pendientes pueden cambiar por completo el look de flamenca. Encontrar el equilibrio perfecto con estos complementos es ideal para que nuestra cara luzca radiante junto con el vestido.

Chaquetas 

Por la mañana podemos lucir un traje de flamenca de dos piezas con manga corta o sin mangas, perfecto para pasear por la feria sin pasar calor. Para la noche, donde ya refresca un poco más, la chaqueta puede convertir nuestro traje en un nuevo vestido gracias a la elegancia de las mangas. 

Mantones 

Algo similar ocurre con los mantones. Si sabemos llevarlos bien sin que se enreden los flecos pueden dar un toque elegante a nuestro vestido. Si éste es liso, el mantón dará el toque de color complementario perfecto para no lucir muy recargada.