Carreras de Caballos - San Lucar de Barrameda 10 - 12 August 2023 and 25 - 27 August 2023

The Carreras de Caballos normally takes place as close to the second and fourth weekends of August as the tides permit

By Nick Nutter | Updated 7 Feb 2023 | Cádiz | Events | Login to add to YOUR Favourites or Read Later

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Carreras de Caballos at Sanlucar de Barrameda

The Carreras de Caballos is traditionally held on the Friday to Sunday on the second and fourth weeks of August. Some years they move forward one week due to the tides.

20,000 square metres of beach

Shortly after 6.30pm on the Friday the tape goes up on one of the most spectacular, and unusual, horse races in the world.

At low tide the 20,000 square metre Atlantic beach at Sanlucar de Barrameda is the scene of a series of horse races that date back to 1845, the ‘Carreras de Caballos’. Thousands of spectators pack the stands set up on the beach whilst horses and riders thunder past on the firm sand. In the background the estuary of the Rio Guadalquivir and the banks of the Donana National Park provide a scenic setting.

After the races are finished for the evening you can hopefully enjoy a magnificent sunset and then join in the celebrations in the town. The restaurants are known for their crustaceans and fish washed down with a bottle of the local Manzanilla.

The start times of the races are not confirmed until the day because they depend on the tide and the number of horses running.

The races have been declared an Andalucian fiesta of national and international tourist interest.

For more information and confirm dates