The Jerez de la Frontera Horse Fair is one of the most spectacular cultural events in southern Spain. Every May, the city is transformed into a stage where horses, wine and flamenco become the undisputed stars of the show.
If you are planning to delve into the authentic Andalusia, discovering traditions that are still going strong in the 21st century, the Jerez Horse Fair is an unbeatable opportunity to get to know the culture of this land.
History and origin of the Fair
The Horse Fair has deep roots dating back to the 13th century. In those times, Jerez held livestock fairs where horses were bought and sold, a tradition inseparably linked to the soul of the city. As the centuries went by, those commercial meetings evolved, giving way to a more playful celebration, where the horse was still the protagonist, but now accompanied by music, dance, gastronomy and fun.
In 1966, the fair was officially recognised as the Horse Fair, and since then it has been held every year in the González Hontoria Park, an area of more than 50,000 square metres that becomes a small ephemeral city of light and colour.
If you are passionate about authentic traditions and want to get to know the true Andalusian spirit, you will soon understand why this fair is considered to be of International Tourist Interest.
What makes the Horse Fair unique?
If there is one thing that distinguishes the Jerez Fair from other similar celebrations in Andalusia, it is undoubtedly the absolute prominence of the horse. Throughout the week, you can see the constant comings and goings of riders dressed in traditional costumes, riding horses decked out for the occasion.
Another distinctive feature that you will immediately notice is the open nature of its casetas. Unlike in other Andalusian fairs, such as Seville, where many of the casetas are private, in Jerez the vast majority of them are open to the public. This peculiarity reflects the welcoming and hospitable spirit of the people of Jerez, who invite all visitors to feel at home, enjoying the gastronomy, dancing and flamenco music.
And as it could not be otherwise in the land of sherry, wine is present in every corner of the fair. From the driest finos to the sweetest Pedro Ximénez, all these oenological treasures perfectly accompany the gastronomic and social experience proposed by the fair.
Not to be missed
Horse and carriage parades
The highlight of each day at the Horse Fair is the traditional horse and carriage parade. Every day, hundreds of horses parade through the fairgrounds, ridden by horsemen and horsewomen dressed in traditional Andalusian costume.
This spectacle reaches its maximum splendour during the weekend, when the Concurso Morfológico de Ganado Selecto Caballar is held, where you can admire some of the best specimens of the Pura Raza Española. The traditional carriages, from small horse-drawn carriages to large carriages pulled by several horses, are another impressive visual attraction, recalling past times when these vehicles were the usual means of transport for the wealthiest families.
Shows at the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art
Although located outside the fairgrounds, no visit to Jerez during the Feria del Caballo would be complete without a visit to the world-famous Real Escuela Andaluza del Arte Ecuestre (Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art). During the week of the fair, this prestigious institution schedules special exhibitions of “How the Andalusian Horses Dance”, a unique show where riders demonstrate their mastery of the different disciplines of dressage and doma vaquera.
We recommend that you book your tickets in advance, as during the fair these shows tend to sell out quickly. The combination of music, technical precision and the elegance of the Carthusian horses creates a show that is unique in the world.
Gastronomy at the fair
An essential part of your experience at the Horse Fair will undoubtedly be the gastronomy. The stalls offer a wide repertoire of traditional dishes that you must try. Fried fish is one of the most popular snacks: boquerones (anchovies), marinated dogfish and cuttlefish are just some of the delicacies you will find.
Traditional tapas such as oxtail, potato omelette or hand-cut ham are also present in almost all the stalls. All this, of course, washed down with the famous Jerez wines, ranging from the dry fino (perfect for accompanying tapas) to the sweet Pedro Ximénez, ideal for desserts.
Don’t forget to try the rebujito, the star drink of the fair, which consists of a mixture of manzanilla or fino wine with lime soda, served in jugs with ice. Refreshing and light, it is the perfect companion for long days at the fair.
Activities for families
If you are visiting the Horse Fair with children, you will be delighted to know that there are numerous activities designed especially for the little ones. The Amusement Park located at one end of the fairgrounds offers guaranteed fun with its numerous attractions adapted to all ages.
In addition, many of the casetas programme children’s activities during the afternoon hours, including Sevillanas workshops and small shows. Pony rides for the little ones are another popular activity that will allow them to feel part of the equestrian spirit of the fair.
Clothing and timetable advice
Although it is not compulsory, many visitors choose to dress in keeping with the atmosphere of the fair. For women, flamenco dresses are always an option, although you can also opt for fresh and colourful dresses with an Andalusian touch, perhaps accompanied by a shawl or fan. Men usually wear light trousers with a shirt, perhaps adding a Cordoban hat if you want a more traditional touch.
As for the opening hours, the fair starts to come to life from midday, reaching its peak between 14:00 and 18:00. At night, the party continues until the early hours of the morning. We recommend planning at least two full days to be able to enjoy all aspects of the fair without being overwhelmed.
Practical tips for maximum enjoyment
How to get to Jerez
Jerez de la Frontera has excellent connections that facilitate your arrival from any point in Spain or Europe. The city has an international airport with direct flights from Madrid, Barcelona and several European cities.
If you prefer to travel by train, Jerez is perfectly connected by the high-speed train network, with frequent connections from Madrid and Seville. The journey from the Andalusian capital takes approximately one hour, making Jerez an accessible destination even for day visits, although we recommend you dedicate at least a full weekend to fully enjoy the fair.
Where to stay
Our increasingly popular holiday rentals in Jerez offer many advantages: more space for families or groups of friends, the chance to relax away from the hustle and bustle when you need it, and usually better value for money than hotels during the high season. In addition, many of these houses are located in typical Jerez neighbourhoods, allowing you to experience local life in a more authentic way.
Local transport during the fair
Jerez City Council is reinforcing the public transport service during the week of the fair. The city buses that connect the main neighbourhoods with the fairgrounds are extending their timetables, with special night services that make it easier to return in the early hours of the morning.
Another highly recommended option is the taxi service, which is in permanent operation throughout the fair week. Although at peak times it can be difficult to find a free taxi, there are taxi ranks strategically located both in the fairgrounds and in the city centre.
What to bring
The weather in Jerez during May is usually quite pleasant, with temperatures ranging between 15°C and 25°C. However, there can be occasional days of intense heat, so sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses and perhaps a hat) is essential if you plan to spend many hours outdoors.
Comfortable shoes are a must, as you will be spending a lot of time walking around the fairgrounds. Women should avoid very high heels, especially if they plan to participate in the Sevillanas dances.
A fan is not only a decorative accessory, but also a practical tool to combat the heat. A bottle of water will also help you stay hydrated during the long days at the fair.
Local customs during the Horse Fair
Little-known traditions
The night before the official opening, thousands of Jerez citizens flock to the “casetas” to taste exclusively fried fish dishes, creating a sort of gastronomic prelude to the week of celebrations.
Another characteristic ritual is the “alumbrao”, the moment when all the lights are switched on in the fairgrounds on the first night, marking the official start of the fair.
A deeply-rooted custom among the people of Jerez is the “cambio de caseta” (change of “caseta”). During a day at the fair, it is customary to visit several different casetas, greeting friends and acquaintances in each one. This social pilgrimage is accompanied by glasses of fino or rebujito, creating an atmosphere of conviviality and hospitality characteristic of Andalusian idiosyncrasy.
Another local tradition is the “comida de feria”, an extended family reunion usually held on the Sunday of the fair. Entire families, from grandparents to grandchildren, gather at a stand to enjoy a lunch that lasts for hours, with traditional dishes passed down from generation to generation.
Would you like to discover the Horse Fair? May awaits in Jerez with its sunny days, its nights of music and dance, and that special atmosphere that can only be felt when a city proudly celebrates its most beloved traditions.
