Feria del Caballo or Feria de Jerez, from the 6th to the 13th May 2023

Traditionally held during the first two weeks of May, the Feria del Caballo or Horse Fair, also called the Feria de Jerez, designated of International Tourist Interest, lasts a whole week.

By Nick Nutter | Updated 8 Mar 2023 | Cádiz | Events | Login to add to YOUR Favourites or Read Later

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Feria del Caballo Jerez de la Frontera

The Feria del Caballo or 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 in the year for Jerez.

500 year old tradition

Feria del Caballo Jerez de la Frontera

Normally held during the first two weeks of May, the 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.

Feria del Caballo location

Feria del Caballo Jerez de la Frontera

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.

Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art

Feria del Caballo Jerez de la Frontera

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 are the horse and carriage processions through the park from about 1 pm until about 7 pm.

Dia de Pensionista y Señoras

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.

The Sherry Families

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.

Not surprisingly, the Feria del Caballo in Jerez de la Frontera draws crowds from all over Andalucia, Spain and Europe.

Check dates of the Feria de Caballo