The Jerez Horse Fair, also known as the Feria de Jerez, is an annual event that celebrates the rich equestrian and cultural heritage of Andalucia, Spain. Read on to learn more about this unique event, featuring flamenco dancing, horse shows, and traditional Andalucian cuisine.
By Nick Nutter | Updated 4 Apr 2024 | Cádiz | Events |
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Feria del Caballo Jerez de la Frontera
The Feria del Caballo, also known as Feria de Jerez or the Jerez Horse Fair, held annually in Jerez de la Frontera, is considered the best fair of its kind in the world. It is certainly the major event of the year in Jerez.
In 2023, it was held from 6 to 13 May. In 2024, the Feria del Caballo in Jerez is expected to be held from 4 to 11 May 2024.
Feria del Caballo Jerez de la Frontera
The Jerez Horse Fair typically takes place during the first or second week of May and lasts for about a week.
The fairgrounds are found near the city centre, and the festivities begin with a spectacular parade of horses and carriages, known as the Cabalgata, through the streets of Jerez. The parade features beautifully decorated carriages, flamenco dancers, and horsemen and women dressed in traditional Andalucian attire.
Feria del Caballo Jerez de la Frontera
Once the parade is over, the fair officially begins, and the fairgrounds come alive with the sound of music, laughter, and the clatter of horses' hooves.
The fair is open to the public, and visitors can enjoy a wide range of equestrian events, including horse shows, dressage competitions, and carriage rides. There are also many food stalls, where visitors can sample traditional Andalusian cuisine, including tapas, seafood, and sherry, which is the local wine.
Feria del Caballo Jerez de la Frontera
One of the most popular events at Feria de Jerez is the "Paseo de Caballos," or "Horse Parade," where horses and riders parade through the fairgrounds showing off their stunning attire. The horses are often adorned with intricate bridles, blankets, and plumes, and the riders wear traditional Andalusian costumes, complete with wide-brimmed hats, short jackets, and tight-fitting trousers.
The Jerez Horse Fair is also famous for its flamenco dancing. Every night, visitors can watch spectacular flamenco performances by some of the best dancers in Spain. The dance is performed in a small arena, known as the "casetas," and visitors can join in the dancing if they wish.
Calle del Infierno is the official fairgrounds of Feria de Jerez, an amusement park for all ages where you'll find rides, attractions, and many stalls including food stalls, games, raffles, and more. Naturally, Calle del Infierno is a huge hit with the little ones.
Keep an eye out for Día de Los Cacharritos, where prices for the rides are reduced. There's also Día de los Niños y de las Niñas which is the Tuesday of the fair, where there are reduced prices for kids. Reduced prices are also typically available the Sunday after Feria de Caballo.
Normally held during the first two weeks of May, the Jerez horse fair, designated of International Tourist Interest, lasts a whole week. Its origin goes back 500 years when the fair was an annual event for horse traders.
The Feria del Caballo takes place in the González Hontoria Park, on Álvaro Domecq avenue and the statistics are staggering. Over 1 million lights illuminate the park, including 206 arches. Over 200 casitas (hospitality tents), all decorated with farolillos, coloured paper lanterns, are open to the general public.
As the name suggests the fair concentrates on the horse, with horses and riders from the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art Foundation, based in Jerez de la Frontera, taking a prominent role. Throughout the week there are equestrian events, competitions and exhibitions.
A highlight of each day is the horse and carriage processions through the park from about 1.00pm until about 7.00pm.
Traditionally, Monday is reserved as a retiree's day and discounts are made at attractions so that older people can take their grandchildren to them. Wednesday was, traditionally, reserved as a day for women.
No matter which day you attend, you will be presented with typical food of Jerez, concentrating on seafood and sherry. A plate of large prawns cooked a la plancha, sprinkled with salt and accompanied by a fino sherry is a treat not to be missed.
Mentioning sherry, Jerez de la Frontera is renowned for its bodegas with famous names such as Domecq, Osborne and González Byass. The sherry families are a big part of the horse fair, each family having a casita and an elaborate carriage drawn by superbly coiffed horses, with all the members of the family dressed in traditional style.
Here's some important practical information about Feria de Jerez 2024 to help you plan your days and have the best experience.
The Jerez Horse Fair is a unique event that celebrates the rich equestrian and cultural heritage of Andalucia. It is an excellent opportunity to experience the beauty and grace of Andalusian horses and to immerse oneself in the colourful traditions of this region of Spain.
Whether you are a horse lover, a flamenco enthusiast, or simply someone who enjoys a good party, the Jerez Horse Fair is an event that should not be missed. Not surprisingly, the Feria del Caballo in Jerez de la Frontera draws crowds from all over Andalucia, Spain and Europe.
While you're in Jerez to celebrate the festival, don't forget to enjoy the rest of what the city has to offer. Here are our top recommended activities and tours:
Hotels and apartments can get snapped up quickly in Jerez during festival periods so planning in advance is your best bet.
Here are some hotels to consider:
Or check out the latest deals in Jerez below.
Booking.comIf you're in Jerez for the Feria del Caballo, we recommend exploring the rest of the city as well. Read our Jerez de la Frontera guide to discover the best things to see and do in the city.
Travelling to/around Spain and need some help? Here are our favourite travel resources.
We usually use Booking.com to look for hotels or apartment rentals. Lots of choice & you can unlock more discounts with their Genius loyalty programme!
To research transportation options around Spain, we like using Omio. It’s an easy way to compare different modes of transport and prices in one place. To search train routes, schedules, and prices, we recommend using Trainline.
Renting a car gives you the ultimate freedom to explore Andalucia at your own pace. Click here to compare car rental prices. (You’ll be surprised at how affordable it is in Spain!)
For last-minute holiday deals, check out Expedia UK.
Looking for things to do? Viator has a huge catalog of activities and tours across many cities in Spain. We also love Get Your Guide!
Guruwalk is our favourite platform to find the best free walking tours in a city.
For money transfers or spending overseas in foreign currency, Wise is our favorite borderless banking service (we love their debit card that's without fees!).
Travel insurance is a must to protect against emergencies and unexpected incidents. Get a quote from SafetyWing here.
For an easy way to stay connected on the road, get an eSim from Airalo. It's affordable and, best of all, you'll be connected the moment you arrive!
Click here for official information on the Feria de Caballo 2024
© Visit-Andalucia 2015 - 2024
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