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{{Short description|Tourism in Spain}}
{{Orphan|date=June 2015}}
{{Multiple issues|{{More citations needed|date=March 2022}}
{{Original research|date=September 2022}}}}
{{Infobox recurring event
|name = Fair of Albacete
|native_name =
|native_name_lang =
|image = Puerta de Hierros Recinto Ferial de Albacete.jpg
|image_size =
|caption = Iron Gate of the Fairground Building
|date = 7–17 September
|venue = [[Fair of Albacete]]
|location = [[Albacete]], Spain
|frequency = Annual
|first = {{start date|1200}}
| footnotes = {{Infobox
| child = yes
| header1 = [[Fiestas of International Tourist Interest of Spain|Fiesta of International Tourist Interest]]
| headerstyle = background-color:#eee;
| label2= Designated
| data2 = 2008
}}
}}


⚫
'''The Fair of Albacete''' is celebrated from 7–17 September in the city of [[Albacete]], Spain, to honor the ''Virgen de Los Llanos'', which translates to Virgin of the Plains. It was declared a [[Fiestas of International Tourist Interest of Spain|Fiesta of International Tourist Interest]]<ref>{{cite web
[[File:Puerta de Hierros Recinto Ferial de Albacete.jpg|thumbnail|width|300px|right|Iron Gate of the Fairground Building]]
⚫
|url=http://www.laverdad.es/albacete/20080901/local/albacete/feria-albacete-consigue-declaracion-200809011544.html
⚫
'''Fair of Albacete ''' is a fair celebrated from 7–17 September in the city of [[Albacete]], Spain, to honor the Virgen de los Llanos. It was declared Festivity of international interest,<ref>{{cite web
⚫
|title=La Feria de Albacete consigue la declaración de Interés Turístico Internacional. La Verdad <!--Generado por Muro Bot. Puedes ayudar a rellenar esta plantilla-->
⚫
|url=http://www.laverdad.es/albacete/20080901/local/albacete/feria-albacete-consigue-declaracion-200809011544.html
|url-status=dead
⚫
|title=La Feria de Albacete consigue la declaración de Interés Turístico Internacional. La Verdad <!--Generado por Muro Bot. Puedes ayudar a rellenar esta plantilla-->
|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140428002449/http://www.laverdad.es/albacete/20080901/local/albacete/feria-albacete-consigue-declaracion-200809011544.html
|accessdate=
|archivedate=2014-04-28
|author=
}}</ref> it takes place in the permanent fairground commonly known as 'the pan' or 'the circles' situated near the centre of the city. It has a very well-known bullfighting activities and hundred of other takes place during the days, and the city gets to quadruple its inhabitants during the festivity.<ref>[http://www.laverdad.es/albacete/prensa/20070918/albacete/alcalde-confirma-feria-albacete_20070918.html El alcalde confirma que la Feria de Albacete del 2007 ha sido la más visitada y participativa de su historia (diario La Verdad 18-9-2007)]</ref>
}}</ref> and takes place in the permanent fairground commonly known as 'the Pan' or 'the Circles' situated near the centre of the city. It has a [[bullfighting]] activity, and the city is reputed to quadruple its population during the festivities.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.laverdad.es/albacete/prensa/20070918/albacete/alcalde-confirma-feria-albacete_20070918.html |title=El alcalde confirma que la Feria de Albacete del 2007 ha sido la más visitada y participativa de su historia (diario La Verdad 18-9-2007) |access-date=2010-09-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090904204030/http://www.laverdad.es/albacete/prensa/20070918/albacete/alcalde-confirma-feria-albacete_20070918.html |archive-date=2009-09-04 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


The first news that we have about the annual fair in the city of Albacete date back of the first decade of 1200. Its importance was increasing during the centuries, which led the [[Catholic Monarchs]] to recognize it.{{citation needed|date=June 2015}} But without any doubt, the most historical date for the fair and the city was the 6 March 1710 during the [[Spanish War of Succession|Spanish war of succession]], the first Borbon, [[Felipe V de España|Felipe V]], gave the city the privilege of realizing an annual franc fair for the length of four days in which year by year turn into ten as in the actual times.
The first mentions of the annual fair date back to the first decade of the 1200s. Its importance grew throughout the subsequent centuries, which led the [[Catholic Monarchs]] to recognize it.{{citation needed|date=June 2015}} The most famous instance of the fair was 6 March 1710 during the [[Spanish War of Succession|Spanish war of succession]]. The monarch of the [[House of Bourbon|Bourbon]], [[Felipe V de España|Felipe V]], gave the city the privilege of realizing an annual franc fair for a length of four days. Since then, the fair gradually grew to the ten-day period known today.


In 1783 it was built the fairground building in the actual location. It has a 'pan' shape and it is an example of manchegan architecture towards a commercial goal. the body of the pan has some concentric rings which helds the commercial stands.
The fairground building was built in 1783. It has a 'pan' shape, and it is an example of Manchegan architecture built for a commercial goal. The body of the Pan has concentric rings that holds the commercial stands.


== History ==
== History ==
[[File:Recinto Ferial Albacete.png|thumb|250px|Plano actual del Recinto Ferial]]
[[File:Recinto Ferial Albacete.png|thumb|250px|Plano actual del Recinto Ferial]]


As precedent of it, there were found some testimonies of the XV century which talks about a regular market held in Feria' Street. This street still preserves its name until our days, linking the San Juan's Cathedral with the Santa Catalina's plains, where now stands the Fairground Building. In that place cattle were sold back in the days. The market lasted for 10 days, which started from 30 November, and later on from 28 August.
Testimonies from the 15th century were found mentioning a regular market held on Feria Street. The market lasted for 10 days, which started on 30 November and later on shifted to start on 28 August. This street still preserves its name, linking San Juan's Cathedral with Santa Catalina's plains, where the Fairground Building now stands.


in the XVII century it was moved outside the centre of the city, as an economic activity parallel to the parade that took place every 8 September to the place of Los Llanos. There, near the chapel of the Virgin, was found in 1672 a Franciscan convent that took an important role in that time. In 1683 it was requested to the king [[Carlos III de España|Carlos III]] his declaration of the franc fair for 3 days (7, 8 and 9 September) and its location in the convent proximities, in the place of Los Llanos, because it increases the chances of getting alms.
In the 17th century, the market was moved outside the centre of the city, as there was significant commerce parallel to the parade every 8 September in the relevant places of Los Llanos. In 1672, near the chapel of the Virgin, a [[Order of Friars Minor Conventual|Franciscan convent]] was founded. In 1683, it was requested to king [[Carlos III de España|Carlos III]] that he declared the franc fair had to last for 3 days (7-9 September), and its location be established in the proximity of the convent near Los Llanos because it increases the chances of getting alms.


Even though this request was not fulfilled, 6 March of 1710, [[Philip V of Spain|Philip V]] gave the city the privilege of a franc fair for 4 days (from 7 to 11 September). And the city hall disposed that it should take place in the urban center, in the Main Street and the Main Square, but the traders still went to the place of Los llanos. During the period from 1710 and 1712, which is defined as the divided fair, it was celebrated 2 days in the place commanded by the city hall, and the rest in the former place near the Franciscan convent.
Even though this request was not fulfilled, on 6 March 1710, [[Philip V of Spain|Philip V]] gave the city the privilege of a franc fair for 4 days (from 7 to 11 September). The city hall disposed that it should take place in the urban center, the Main Street, and the Main Square, while the traders could still go to the place of Los Llanos. Between 1710 and 1712, which is defined as the divided fair, it was celebrated 2 days in the place commanded by the city hall, and the rest near the Franciscan convent.


The attempts to take the fair back to Albacete drove the city Hall to buy some market building to build the Fairground Building, but this project never took place, but in 1783 there was an agreement to build in the Plain of Santa Catalina those buildings. This was inaugurated 7 September 1783, and completely finished the next year. From that tate, the fair was held in the urban center of Albacete. Lately the Fairground Building was object of many ampliations and reforms. The last one date of 2010 due to the 300th anniversary.
The attempts to take the fair back to Albacete drove the City Hall to buy a market building to build the Fairground Building, but this project never took place. In 1783, there was an agreement to build that building in the Plain of Santa Catalina, following the sketch of the Spanish architect Josef Ximenez. They were inaugurated on 7 September 1783 and completely finished the next year. From that time, the fair was held in the urban center of Albacete, with a few exceptions. Most notably, the fair did not take place during the years 1937 and 1938 due to the [[Spanish Civil War]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://servicios.laverdad.es/extras/feriaalba06/suscr/nec1.htm |title=Una Cabalgata sin la Patrona. Diario La Verdad (7-9-2006) |access-date=2010-09-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090903093825/http://servicios.laverdad.es/extras/feriaalba06/suscr/nec1.htm |archive-date=2009-09-03 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The fair did not take place during the years 1937 and 1938 due to the Spanish civil war.<ref>[http://servicios.laverdad.es/extras/feriaalba06/suscr/nec1.htm Una Cabalgata sin la Patrona. Diario La Verdad (7-9-2006) ]</ref>


=== Alterations of the Fairground Building ===
=== Alterations of the Fairground Building ===
[[File:Templete Recinto Ferial de Albacete.jpg|thumb|250px| Bandstand in modernist style, inside the fair circle.(1912)]]
[[File:Templete Recinto Ferial de Albacete.jpg|thumb|250px| Bandstand in modernist style, inside the fair circle. (1912)]]


During the time of its inauguration in 1783, the building, built during only 33 days following the sketch of the Spanish architect Josef Ximenez, consisted only in the exterior walls and the interior circle. It was totally finished on the following year, 1784.
At the time of its inauguration in 1783, the building, built over the course of 33 days, consisted only of the exterior walls and the interior circle. It was finished in the following year.


Among the alterations and ampliations which took place in the Fairground Building from its beginnings, we emphasize:
Among the alterations and ampliations which took place at the Fairground Building from its beginnings, there were several notable buildings.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://canales.laverdad.es/fiestas/feriaalba04/ |title=Fechas para la Feria. Artículo del especial del Diario La Verdad para la feria 2004. |access-date=2010-09-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070421065323/http://canales.laverdad.es/fiestas/feriaalba04/ |archive-date=2007-04-21 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
<ref>[http://canales.laverdad.es/fiestas/feriaalba04/ Fechas para la Feria. Artículo del especial del Diario La Verdad para la feria 2004.]</ref>


*In 1876 the columns of the central circles were replaced by the iron ones of nowadays.
In 1876, the columns of the central circles were replaced by iron ones.
*in 1876 the columns of the inner circles were changed into the current iron ones.
⚫
*Until 1877, there was a fountain in the center, which was really important for the cattle that was gathered in the fair. That year the fountain was removed and substituted by a kiosk.
⚫
*In 1912 the modernist kiosk was built, since restored, which we can still see.
⚫
*In 1944 some major work was done to make the building bigger, adding a third circle to the Pan, the exposition room and two more saloons at the entrance.
⚫
*In 1974 the neoclasic fachade was changed into the white bricks one, following the design of the architect Manuel Carrilero.
⚫
*Between 2008 and 2010, due to the III Century anniversary, major improvements were made, also in the surrounding areas, subterranean parking under the "Paseo".".<ref>http://www.feriadealbacete.es/obras-embellecimiento-del-entorno.html</ref> One of the major improvements was a new iron gate, similar to the old one on the entrance of Los Jardinillos, in front of the Bullfighting ring.


⚫
Until 1877, there was a fountain for cattle in the center of the building. The fountain was removed and replaced by a kiosk.
==Events==


⚫
In 1912, the modernist kiosk was built, which was restored and still exists today.
{{Empty section|date=June 2015}}


⚫
In 1944, major work was done to make the building bigger, adding a third circle to the Pan, the exposition room, and two more saloons at the entrance.
⚫
==Opening Parade==


⚫
In 1974, the neoclassic façade was changed into white bricks, following the design of the architect [[Manuel Carrilero]].
⚫
[[File:Capilla Virgen de los Llanos Recinto Ferial de Albacete.jpg|thumb|250px|left|Capilla de la Virgen de los Llanos at the fairgrounds.]]
⚫
It is the first and most important event of La Feria. Its mission is to take the image of the virgin of Los Llanos to the Recinto Ferial, finishing with the opening of the main gate (Puerta de Hierros) of said building. This opening is carried out during the night since 1909. Until this year, it was performed in the morning.<ref>[http://servicios.laverdad.es/fiestas/feria-albacete/suscr/nec13.htm La Feria de 1927 se abrió de noche. Especial feria de Albacete 2007.Diario La Verdad]</ref>


⚫
Between 2008 and 2010, for the 300th anniversary of the fair, major improvements were made to the fairgrounds and surrounding areas, including subterranean parking under the "Paseo."<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.feriadealbacete.es/obras-embellecimiento-del-entorno.html |title=Obras - Embellecimiento del entorno - III Centenario Feria de Albacete |access-date=2010-09-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100918145817/http://www.feriadealbacete.es/obras-embellecimiento-del-entorno.html# |archive-date=2010-09-18 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Another upgrade was a new iron gate, similar to the old one on the entrance of Los Jardinillos, in front of the Bullfighting ring.
In the parade there is about 100 floats together with brass bands and manchegas with the typical costumes.
⚫
The parade starts in Avenida de España and finishes in the main gate of the Recinto ferial, when the mayor of the city opens the gate and fireworks are shot. In 2008 the fireworks were replaced by a light and sound spectacle. proyected at the gates. This is the official opening of the fair. After that, the image of the [[Virgen de Los Llanos]] is taken to her chapel, where it will be for the next 10 days.


=== Floral offering ===
== Traditions ==
⚫
===Opening Parade===
⚫
It is an act organized by the Peña Templete since 1989. Almost 20,000 people participate in it the first Sunday of the fair. The offering starts in the cathedral and ends at the gate of the Chapel inside the Recinto Ferial. In its balcony, the image of the Virgen is represented.
⚫
[[File:Capilla Virgen de los Llanos Recinto Ferial de Albacete.jpg|thumb|250px|left|Capilla de la Virgen de Los Llanos at the fairgrounds.]]
⚫
The opening parade is the first event of the fair (La Feria). Its mission is to take the image of the Virgin of Los Llanos to the Recinto Ferial. It ends with the opening of the main gate (Puerta de Hierros) of the building. This opening has been carried out at night since 1909. Before 1909, it was performed in the morning.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://servicios.laverdad.es/fiestas/feria-albacete/suscr/nec13.htm |title=La Feria de 1927 se abrió de noche. Especial feria de Albacete 2007.Diario La Verdad |access-date=2010-09-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719165001/http://servicios.laverdad.es/fiestas/feria-albacete/suscr/nec13.htm |archive-date=2011-07-19 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


⚫
The parade typically has about 100 floats, brass bands, and manchegas with various costumes. The parade starts on Avenida de España and finishes at the main gate of the Recinto Ferial when the mayor of the city opens the gate and fireworks are launched. In 2008, the fireworks were replaced by a light and sound spectacle. This commemorates the official opening of the fair. After that, the image of the Virgen de Los Llanos is taken to its chapel, where it resides for the next 10 days.
== Traditions and plances ==


=== Floral offering ===
The distribution of the Fair has different parts:
⚫
A floral offering has been organized by the Peña Templete since 1989. Almost 20,000 people participate in it on the first Sunday of the fair. The offering starts in the cathedral and ends at the gate of the Chapel inside the Recinto Ferial. On its balcony, the image of the Virgen is represented. The Fair has different parts:
⚫
;The walk
⚫
At the beginning of the walk, several tombolas and games are installed. It is well known the ''Cáritas Tombola'', traditionally managed by [[Cáritas]] for benefic causes. Its prices are donated and workers and volunteers do the jobs. Its origin starts in 1953, when it was created to build houses for the working-class people. After the tombolas, there's a children attractions area, and at the end some food marquees.


⚫
==== The walk ====
⚫
;Los Ejidos
⚫
At the beginning of the walk, several tombolas and games are installed. The ''Cáritas Tombola'', traditionally managed by Cáritas, collects proceeds that are donated to charitable causes. Its origin lies in 1953 when it was created to build houses for working-class people.{{Citation needed|date=May 2023}}
⚫
[[File:Atracciones Feria de Albacete.jpg|thumbnail|width|250px|right|Attractions located in Los Ejidos.]]


⚫
=== Los Ejidos ===
After the walk, we enter to a place surrounding the Recinto Ferial, where back in the days cattle was sold. It lost that use when the machinery was started to use in the fields.
⚫
[[File:Atracciones Feria de Albacete.jpg|thumb|250px|Attractions located in Los Ejidos.|alt=Ferris Wheel and other fair attractions, shown at night]]


Los Ejidos, the place surrounding the fairgrounds, is where cattle used to be sold. It lost that usage when machinery began consumption in the fields instead of animal labor. Now, the area hosts a music pavilion for free concerts, craftwork and toy stands, stalls for businesses, and other larger fair attractions.
Nowadays, starting on the right side, we find mobile companies and television's stalls, a music marquee, and other bigger attractions. If we keep walking we find the marquees for rock music that every day hold free concerts. Around the fair building we find some other craftwork and toys marquees.


;The Inner Circle
==== The Inner Circle ====
The stands and pavilion located in Los Ejidos are still open until the early morning. At the end of the main walk of the Pan, there are several stands where different associations and commerce groups exhibit products from different parts of Castilla la Mancha. One of these popular products is the [[Miguelitos|Miguelitos de la Roda]], a puff pastry filled with custard and powdered sugar on top.


⚫
There is also a knife exhibition opened to the public with art pieces from the Albacete knife industry, displayed year-round at the [https://www.museocuchilleria.es/ Museum of Knives].
Every day there's party in the fair building, specially in the ''inner circle'' where, until 2007, every early morning, the ''[[toro de fuego]] of Barrax'' make the fun last. This bull was a cart hold by a person with some firecrackers in the horns. It was removed due to its potential danger.


Until 2007, there was a ''[[toro de fuego]]'' of Barrax. The "toro" was a cart with firecrackers held by a person who walked the area. The spectacle was removed due to its potential danger.
If we want to keep the party on, the marquees located in Los Ejidos are still open until the early morning.
At the end of the main walk of the pan, there are several stands where different associations and commerce make their exhibitions of products from different parts of Castilla la Mancha.
One of the typical things of La Feria, are the [[Miguelitos|Miguelitos de la Roda]], a puff pastry filled with custard and pouder sugar on top.


== Further reading ==
⚫
There is also a big knife exhibition opened to the public with great art pieces of the knife's Albacetenian industry.
⚫
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20081119082901/http://www.lacerca.com/noticias/albacete_feria_ligadas_tiempo-19578-1.html Albacete y su feria, ligadas en el tiempo. Portal de Noticias La Cerca (19-09-2007)]
A custom very extended among families in Albacete is the ''feriar'' something to kids and friends, which is, making a present after walking along the market place of La Feria.
⚫
*Varios autores. ''Libro del III centenario Feria de Albacete (número 1).'' Editora municipal. Albacete, 2007. {{ISBN|978-84-921720-9-2}}

== Notes and references ==
⚫
*[http://www.lacerca.com/noticias/albacete_feria_ligadas_tiempo-19578-1.html Albacete y su feria, ligadas en el tiempo. Portal de Noticias La Cerca (19-09-2007)]
⚫
*Varios autores. ''Libro del III centenario Feria de Albacete (número 1).'' Editora municipal. Albacete, 2007. ISBN 978-84-921720-9-2


== References ==
== References ==
Line 89: Line 98:


== External links ==
== External links ==
⚫
{{commons category|Feria_de_Albacete}}
* [http://historiadealbacete.com/index.php/component/content/article/41-feria/84-historia-de-la-feria-i-siglo-xiv-xvi Tres artículos sobre la historia de la Feria de Albacete, desglosada año a año.]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20100909220717/http://www.historiadealbacete.com/index.php/component/content/article/41-feria/84-historia-de-la-feria-i-siglo-xiv-xvi Tres artículos sobre la historia de la Feria de Albacete, desglosada año a año.]
* [http://www.dipualba.es/CartelesFeria/Indice.htm Carteles de Feria desde 1901 hasta nuestros días]
* [http://www.dipualba.es/CartelesFeria/Indice.htm Carteles de Feria desde 1901 hasta nuestros días]
* [http://albacete-fotos.blogspot.com/2007/06/feria-de-albacete-en-la-historia.html Fotos históricas de la Feria]
* [http://albacete-fotos.blogspot.com/2007/06/feria-de-albacete-en-la-historia.html Fotos históricas de la Feria]
* [http://feria-de-albacete.albacity.org/ Web sobre la Feria de Albacete en Albacity desde 2003]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20040607233610/http://feria-de-albacete.albacity.org/ Web sobre la Feria de Albacete en Albacity desde 2003]
* [http://www.feriadealbacete.es Web oficial de la Feria de Albacete]
* [http://www.feriadealbacete.es Web oficial de la Feria de Albacete]
* [http://www.centenarioferiadealbacete.com/ Web sobre el Centenario de la Feria]
* [http://www.centenarioferiadealbacete.com/ Web sobre el Centenario de la Feria]


{{Fiestas of International Tourist Interest (Spain)}}
⚫
{{commons category|Feria_de_Albacete}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:Albacete]]
[[Category:Albacete]]
[[Category:Spanish culture]]
[[Category:Culture of Castilla–La Mancha]]
[[Category:Tourism in Spain]]
[[Category:Fairs in Spain]]
[[Category:Articles created via the Article Wizard]]

Latest revision as of 08:26, 1 April 2024

Fair of Albacete
Iron Gate of the Fairground Building
Date(s)7–17 September
FrequencyAnnual
VenueFair of Albacete
Location(s)Albacete, Spain
Inaugurated1200 (1200)
Fiesta of International Tourist Interest
Designated2008

The Fair of Albacete is celebrated from 7–17 September in the city of Albacete, Spain, to honor the Virgen de Los Llanos, which translates to Virgin of the Plains. It was declared a Fiesta of International Tourist Interest[1] and takes place in the permanent fairground commonly known as 'the Pan' or 'the Circles' situated near the centre of the city. It has a bullfighting activity, and the city is reputed to quadruple its population during the festivities.[2]

The first mentions of the annual fair date back to the first decade of the 1200s. Its importance grew throughout the subsequent centuries, which led the Catholic Monarchs to recognize it.[citation needed] The most famous instance of the fair was 6 March 1710 during the Spanish war of succession. The monarch of the Bourbon, Felipe V, gave the city the privilege of realizing an annual franc fair for a length of four days. Since then, the fair gradually grew to the ten-day period known today.

The fairground building was built in 1783. It has a 'pan' shape, and it is an example of Manchegan architecture built for a commercial goal. The body of the Pan has concentric rings that holds the commercial stands.

History

[edit]
Plano actual del Recinto Ferial

Testimonies from the 15th century were found mentioning a regular market held on Feria Street. The market lasted for 10 days, which started on 30 November and later on shifted to start on 28 August. This street still preserves its name, linking San Juan's Cathedral with Santa Catalina's plains, where the Fairground Building now stands.

In the 17th century, the market was moved outside the centre of the city, as there was significant commerce parallel to the parade every 8 September in the relevant places of Los Llanos. In 1672, near the chapel of the Virgin, a Franciscan convent was founded. In 1683, it was requested to king Carlos III that he declared the franc fair had to last for 3 days (7-9 September), and its location be established in the proximity of the convent near Los Llanos because it increases the chances of getting alms.

Even though this request was not fulfilled, on 6 March 1710, Philip V gave the city the privilege of a franc fair for 4 days (from 7 to 11 September). The city hall disposed that it should take place in the urban center, the Main Street, and the Main Square, while the traders could still go to the place of Los Llanos. Between 1710 and 1712, which is defined as the divided fair, it was celebrated 2 days in the place commanded by the city hall, and the rest near the Franciscan convent.

The attempts to take the fair back to Albacete drove the City Hall to buy a market building to build the Fairground Building, but this project never took place. In 1783, there was an agreement to build that building in the Plain of Santa Catalina, following the sketch of the Spanish architect Josef Ximenez. They were inaugurated on 7 September 1783 and completely finished the next year. From that time, the fair was held in the urban center of Albacete, with a few exceptions. Most notably, the fair did not take place during the years 1937 and 1938 due to the Spanish Civil War.[3]

Alterations of the Fairground Building

[edit]
Bandstand in modernist style, inside the fair circle. (1912)

At the time of its inauguration in 1783, the building, built over the course of 33 days, consisted only of the exterior walls and the interior circle. It was finished in the following year.

Among the alterations and ampliations which took place at the Fairground Building from its beginnings, there were several notable buildings.[4]

In 1876, the columns of the central circles were replaced by iron ones.

Until 1877, there was a fountain for cattle in the center of the building. The fountain was removed and replaced by a kiosk.

In 1912, the modernist kiosk was built, which was restored and still exists today.

In 1944, major work was done to make the building bigger, adding a third circle to the Pan, the exposition room, and two more saloons at the entrance.

In 1974, the neoclassic façade was changed into white bricks, following the design of the architect Manuel Carrilero.

Between 2008 and 2010, for the 300th anniversary of the fair, major improvements were made to the fairgrounds and surrounding areas, including subterranean parking under the "Paseo."[5] Another upgrade was a new iron gate, similar to the old one on the entrance of Los Jardinillos, in front of the Bullfighting ring.

Traditions

[edit]

Opening Parade

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Capilla de la Virgen de Los Llanos at the fairgrounds.

The opening parade is the first event of the fair (La Feria). Its mission is to take the image of the Virgin of Los Llanos to the Recinto Ferial. It ends with the opening of the main gate (Puerta de Hierros) of the building. This opening has been carried out at night since 1909. Before 1909, it was performed in the morning.[6]

The parade typically has about 100 floats, brass bands, and manchegas with various costumes. The parade starts on Avenida de España and finishes at the main gate of the Recinto Ferial when the mayor of the city opens the gate and fireworks are launched. In 2008, the fireworks were replaced by a light and sound spectacle. This commemorates the official opening of the fair. After that, the image of the Virgen de Los Llanos is taken to its chapel, where it resides for the next 10 days.

Floral offering

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A floral offering has been organized by the Peña Templete since 1989. Almost 20,000 people participate in it on the first Sunday of the fair. The offering starts in the cathedral and ends at the gate of the Chapel inside the Recinto Ferial. On its balcony, the image of the Virgen is represented. The Fair has different parts:

The walk

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At the beginning of the walk, several tombolas and games are installed. The Cáritas Tombola, traditionally managed by Cáritas, collects proceeds that are donated to charitable causes. Its origin lies in 1953 when it was created to build houses for working-class people.[citation needed]

Los Ejidos

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Ferris Wheel and other fair attractions, shown at night
Attractions located in Los Ejidos.

Los Ejidos, the place surrounding the fairgrounds, is where cattle used to be sold. It lost that usage when machinery began consumption in the fields instead of animal labor. Now, the area hosts a music pavilion for free concerts, craftwork and toy stands, stalls for businesses, and other larger fair attractions.

The Inner Circle

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The stands and pavilion located in Los Ejidos are still open until the early morning. At the end of the main walk of the Pan, there are several stands where different associations and commerce groups exhibit products from different parts of Castilla la Mancha. One of these popular products is the Miguelitos de la Roda, a puff pastry filled with custard and powdered sugar on top.

There is also a knife exhibition opened to the public with art pieces from the Albacete knife industry, displayed year-round at the Museum of Knives.

Until 2007, there was a toro de fuego of Barrax. The "toro" was a cart with firecrackers held by a person who walked the area. The spectacle was removed due to its potential danger.

Further reading

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  • Albacete y su feria, ligadas en el tiempo. Portal de Noticias La Cerca (19-09-2007)
  • Varios autores. Libro del III centenario Feria de Albacete (número 1). Editora municipal. Albacete, 2007. ISBN 978-84-921720-9-2

References

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  1. ^ "La Feria de Albacete consigue la declaración de Interés Turístico Internacional. La Verdad". Archived from the original on 2014-04-28.
  2. ^ "El alcalde confirma que la Feria de Albacete del 2007 ha sido la más visitada y participativa de su historia (diario La Verdad 18-9-2007)". Archived from the original on 2009-09-04. Retrieved 2010-09-14.
  3. ^ "Una Cabalgata sin la Patrona. Diario La Verdad (7-9-2006)". Archived from the original on 2009-09-03. Retrieved 2010-09-14.
  4. ^ "Fechas para la Feria. Artículo del especial del Diario La Verdad para la feria 2004". Archived from the original on 2007-04-21. Retrieved 2010-09-14.
  5. ^ "Obras - Embellecimiento del entorno - III Centenario Feria de Albacete". Archived from the original on 2010-09-18. Retrieved 2010-09-14.
  6. ^ "La Feria de 1927 se abrió de noche. Especial feria de Albacete 2007.Diario La Verdad". Archived from the original on 2011-07-19. Retrieved 2010-09-14.
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