Palma set for the most popular fiesta of the year

There was a distinctive Andalucian feel to Palma Town Hall yesterday when the Mayor of Palma, Joan Fageda, unveiled plans for this year's Feria d'Abril. The fair will run from May 11 to May 20 and this year will cover 6'000 square metres of the Fira des Ram fairground, on Calle Jesus, and feature 30 show tents. Fageda said that the nine-day fiesta is one of the most popular events of the year in Palma and this year the music and dancing is allowed to continue until 4 a.m. on certain nights. But in order to preserve the traditional Spanish essence to the fair, the city council has this year banned “disco music” from being played and ordered that the only music allowed is that which is typical to the Feria d'Abril, which has its roots in Seville and Andalucia. Fageda, who has been criticised in the past over the fair, said yesterday “the city council's doors are always open to all regions of Spain.” Every year thousands of people bring out their typical Andalucian dress and head to the fair to enjoy the live music, the food, the drink and the heaving atmosphere. Some couples spend all year learning how to dance “Sevillanas” in order to make the most of the fair.