FERIA SURVIVAL GUIDE: LIVING THE SPANISH FERIA FROM THE INSIDE. NOT AS A TOURIST.

Rural coliving isn’t just about a good working desk and fast wifi. It’s about belonging to a place.

Once a year, the whole village opens up for the Feria. Dress up, dance pasodobles, win a handmade prize at the tombola, and talk to anyone. Nobody minds your Spanish. Here’s our guide for coworkers and colivers who want to live it from the inside.

The Feria survival guide:

3 weeks before. Learn some Spanish songs that will be played during the feria. That way you can join the whole plaza singing together. You'll want to be in that choir. This song was highly played.

1-2 Weeks before. Build relationships with locals and express your desire to wear a flamenco dress. Pueblo will provide. It's the fastest shortcut to a conversation we know.

Days before. Sleep. Bank energy the way you'd charge a laptop before a long flight. You'll need every bit of it for dancing. Check also the Feria agenda. Get familiar with the activities and pick the ones you do not want to miss.

Day 1. Dress up. The first nights are gala nights, and the village shows up looking its best. The dress code relaxes as the feria goes on.

Food during feria. Village bars are packed. Great moment to enjoy Feria food that is only available those days. Our fave is papa asada and churros con chocolate.

Dancing. "Pasodoble" is the traditional dancing in the South of Spain, very easy to learn. Easy opportunity to add one more dance to your repertoire.

Punctuality. Take the schedule of the agenda with a grain of salt. Events normally start a bit later than what is said. 

Cherry wine. Attend the cherry wine show. Free samples, sweet wine and very generous pourers. Pace yourself.

Play the tombola. The prizes are handicrafts made by locals. Winning one is the best souvenir. And you will not mind spending money once you know it will go to the women association in the village and all prizes have been donated by neighbours.

Music Volume. Music is loud. Bring earplugs if you have sensitive ears.

Talk to anyone. Feria is the best week when the whole village is in the mood to chat, and nobody minds your Spanish.

Music till sunrise. Music goes till 8am. Pace yourself. The feria lasts 4 days.

And the secret you've been waiting for. Where to keep your phone and money in a dress with no pockets: We tricked you. There is a pocked hidden in the ruffles of the dress. This is a recent addition in the flamenco dress history, so that women can carry their phones. (Money used to be taken somewhere else)