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Archaeological Excavation in Seville Identifies 12th-Century Almohad Market as Ancestral Site of April Fair

📅 April 5, 2026 📰 El País
Archaeological Excavation in Seville Identifies 12th-Century Almohad Market as Ancestral Site of April Fair

Excavations in Seville's historic Almohad district have revealed the stone foundations and drainage channels of a 12th-century livestock market. Local historians believe this site represents the true medieval precursor to the modern Feria de Abril (April Fair), which began as a trade fair before transforming into the world-renowned celebration of Andalusian culture.

The excavation uncovered iron horseshoes, ceramic feed troughs, and a network of open-air stalls that mirror the layout of the fair's modern "casetas." This discovery provides a historical bridge between the city's Islamic heritage and its contemporary traditions, demonstrating how the festive use of public space in Seville has persisted for nearly 900 years.

Original source: El País