A new vision for a beloved tradition
Each spring, the people of Seville eagerly anticipate the moment when the gates of the Feria de Abril swing open. And before those gates open, there is one element that captures the spotlight every year: the portada—the grand entrance arch. The portada is more than just a structure; it is a symbolic threshold into the joy, colors, and traditions of one of Spain’s most iconic festivals.
In 2025, the Feria’s portada takes a bold new turn. For the first time in many years, the design moves away from the typical Andalusian regionalist style and instead pays tribute to an unexpected yet deeply significant building from Seville’s past: the Chilean Pavilion of the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition.
Inspiration from the chilean pavilion
Designed by Seville-based architect Pablo Escudero Gisbert, the new portada draws its shape, lines, and color palette from the Chilean Pavilion—a masterpiece of architecture located near the Guadalquivir River, close to the San Telmo Palace and the Lope de Vega Theatre. This pavilion was originally built for the 1929 exhibition by architect Juan Martínez Gutiérrez and remains a stunning example of neocolumbian and art deco fusion.
Rather than echoing the more familiar Moorish or Baroque influences that often define Feria covers, Escudero has chosen to honor the international and multicultural legacy of Seville. His goal: to show a different face of the city while preserving the spirit of festivity and welcome that defines the Feria.
Breaking with tradition
Since 2023, Feria designers have not been required to strictly follow the regionalist architectural tradition. This new freedom gave Escudero the opportunity to propose something strikingly original. His decision to look toward the Chilean Pavilion was both aesthetic and symbolic. The building, while often overlooked, is a vital part of Seville’s architectural landscape and historical memory.
The result is a portada that is both familiar and fresh. It brings global influences to the forefront without compromising the deeply local essence of the Feria. It also reinforces the idea that Seville is a city with a rich past and an openness to reinterpretation and innovation.
Architectural highlights
The 2025 portada will stand 50 meters wide and 40 meters high, making it a true visual spectacle. Its design includes two large side towers that reinterpret the Chilean Pavilion’s original central tower, reaching up to 50 meters. Between these towers is a wide central arch, inspired by the pavilion’s arched windows and its dramatic entrance hall.
One of the most striking elements is the use of color. The portada will be painted in shades of coral and white, accented by green details reminiscent of the pavilion’s wooden framework. This color palette is both elegant and energetic, ensuring the structure will shine brightly both in sunlight and under the evening lights.
Cultural and emotional resonance
Though the visual style of the portada is unconventional, it remains true to the emotional and cultural goals of a Feria entrance. It’s designed to be joyful, inviting, and breathtaking. The symbolism of choosing the Chilean Pavilion is particularly meaningful in a city that has hosted many cultures over the centuries and still thrives on cultural dialogue.
The 1929 Chilean Pavilion itself is a building that carries history in its bones. With its unique combination of pre-Columbian motifs and modernist flair, it was one of the most admired pavilions of the Ibero-American Exposition. Today, it houses Seville’s School of Art and Design, and the spirit of creativity that once defined the exhibition lives on within its walls.
Celebrating the new without forgetting the old
The decision to base the 2025 portada on this structure shows that Seville is unafraid to explore its lesser-known gems. It also proves that honoring tradition doesn’t always mean repeating it—it can mean reinterpreting it through new lenses, showing respect through reinvention.
Feria-goers can expect the same emotional thrill they’ve come to associate with the opening of the festivities. But this year, they’ll also get a sense of discovery—of seeing something different yet familiar, something rooted in Seville’s past but looking forward to its future.
A fresh start for the feria
The 2025 Feria de Abril promises to be one to remember. With its new portada inspired by an unconventional source, it’s already generating conversation and excitement throughout the city. As thousands of people pass under the coral and white arch this April, they won’t just be stepping into the fairgrounds—they’ll be walking through a celebration of Seville’s vibrant architectural legacy and its ever-evolving cultural identity.
And that’s what makes the Feria truly magical: it evolves with the times, yet never loses its essence. It surprises us, while always welcoming us home.
