Feria del Caballo Jerez 2026: Your Complete Guide

Horse shows, sherry bodegas, flamenco, and Andalusian elegance at Spain's finest equestrian fair

What is the Feria del Caballo?

The Feria del Caballo (Horse Fair) in Jerez de la Frontera is one of Andalusia's most elegant festivals and Spain's most important equestrian event. For one week every May, the city celebrates its deep connection to horses, sherry wine, and flamenco with a festival that blends aristocratic tradition with genuine Andalusian joy. The González Hontoria fairground transforms into a stunning display of horsemanship, gastronomy, and dance.

Dates: May 9–16, 2026

The Feria runs for a full week from Saturday, May 9 through Saturday, May 16. The Alumbrado (illumination ceremony) marks the official opening on Saturday evening. The busiest days are typically Thursday through Saturday of the second week.

What Makes This Fair Special

Horse Shows & Exhibitions

Jerez is the birthplace of the Pure Spanish Horse (Pura Raza Española). The fair features daily horse parades through the fairground, dressage exhibitions, carriage driving competitions, and the spectacular paseo de caballos. The Real Escuela Andaluza del Arte Ecuestre (Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art) hosts special performances during the fair week.

Sherry Tasting

Jerez is the world capital of sherry. During the fair, the casetas flow with fino, manzanilla, amontillado, and oloroso. Many bodegas offer special tours and tastings during fair week. Don't miss trying rebujito — fino sherry mixed with lemon soda, the official drink of every Andalusian feria.

Flamenco

Jerez is considered one of the cradles of flamenco. During the fair, spontaneous flamenco performances break out in casetas, and the city's peñas flamencas (flamenco clubs) host special events. The bulería — Jerez's own flamenco style — is everywhere.

Casetas & Gastronomy

Like Seville's Feria de Abril, the Jerez fair features hundreds of casetas (decorated tents). The food is exceptional — fresh pescaíto frito (fried fish), jamón ibérico, gazpacho, and local specialties. Many casetas are more accessible to visitors than in Seville.

What to Wear

The dress code follows Andalusian tradition: women in traje de flamenca, men in traje corto (short jacket, high-waisted trousers). Smart casual is also acceptable, especially during daytime visits. Comfortable shoes are essential — the fairground is large.

Practical Tips

Jerez is easily reached by train from Seville (1 hour), Cádiz (30 min), or Madrid (3.5 hours AVE). Book hotels early — the city fills up during the fair. For budget planning, check our Spain Festival Budget Guide.

Visit our Feria del Caballo festival page for more details.