Feria and Fireworks: A Study Abroad Spring Adventure

Since my last update, I’ve been balancing school with a whole lot of unforgettable adventures. One of the highlights was Feria de Sevilla, also known as the April Fair (even though this year it was held in May). For those unfamiliar, Feria is one of the biggest and most colorful festivals in Spain, dating all the way back to 1847. Originally it was a livestock fair, it’s evolved into a week-long celebration of flamenco, food, music, and joy. Imagine hundreds of people in traditional attire, rows of vibrant tents called casetas, horse parades, and music filling the streets from early morning until late at night.

With over a week off, my friends and I decided to take advantage of the break and travel somewhere further away, to Turkey, a country I’ve dreamed of visiting for years due to its rich history and one of the oldest living cultures in the world.

Turkey: A Fairytale Come True

Hagia Sophia, Istanbul

Our first stop was Istanbul, the only city in the world that spans across two continents, Europe and Asia. I couldn’t help but hum the song “Istanbul (Not Constantinople)", a quirky tune I remembered from middle school, over and over a million times while there. Istanbul blew me away with its mix of ancient and modern. From the grand Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque to bustling and worlds oldest grand bazaars and serene views along the Bosphorus, it felt like stepping into another era. And one of the best parts was a friend from back home is currently living there, and she gave us an insider’s tour for our three-day stay.

Cappadocia

Next, we flew to Cappadocia, which means “the land of beautiful horses.” The region is famous for its surreal landscapes, cave dwellings, and of course, the iconic hot air balloons. If I thought Istanbul was stunning, Cappadocia took it to another level. Watching the sunrise from a hot air balloon as we floated above fairy chimneys and winding valleys was absolutely life-changing. It was straight out of a movie, and definitely a memory I’ll treasure forever.

Acropolis, Athens Greece

Greece: Bucket List Dreaming

After Turkey, we continued our Mediterranean journey with a stop in Athens, Greece. This was a bucket list destination for me ever since I was a little girl. Between exploring ancient ruins like the Acropolis, indulging in delicious gyros and baklava, and island hopping under the warm sun, it felt like summer in Hawai‘i, but with a different European vibe and thousands of years of history surrounding us. Each island had its own charm, and the crystal-clear waters were the perfect refresher after long, adventurous days.

Back to Sevilla for the Grand Finale

Feria de Sevilla

We flew back to Sevilla just in time for the final days of Feria, and I’m so glad we did. We dressed up, joined the locals in dancing and celebrating, and fully immersed ourselves in the culture. The streets were glowing with string lights and were full of life. I was in awe of the traditional trajes de flamenca (flamenco dresses), lively music, and endless dancing. Locals welcomed us with open arms, and the energy was amazing.

And even better was that there were amusement park rides. Screaming like little kids on roller coasters with my friends was such a fun and unexpected part of the week. The grand finale was a spectacular firework show that lit up the night sky, an unforgettable ending to an incredible holiday.

If you ever find yourself studying in Spain during Feria, I highly recommend staying for either the start or the end of it. While traveling is always exciting, I was so grateful to return early and experience this vibrant celebration in my home base of Sevilla. It reminded me why I chose to study here, to not just visit, but to live the culture.