Feria del Caballo de Jerez

The origins of the Feria del Caballo trace back to the 13th century, when King Alfonso X the Wise granted Jerez the right to hold a livestock fair. For centuries, it served as one of the most important horse trading events in the Iberian Peninsula.

In the 15th and 16th centuries, Jerez became a centre of horse breeding, producing the renowned Carthusian horses that would later become the Pura Raza Española (PRE). The fair evolved from a purely commercial event into a social celebration, with noble families competing to display their finest animals.

The modern Feria del Caballo was officially established in 1948, when the city decided to formalise the centuries-old tradition. In 1965 it was declared a Fiesta of National Tourist Interest, and later elevated to International Tourist Interest status. Today it attracts over 1.5 million visitors and is considered the most important equestrian fair in Europe.

The Feria del Caballo is a feast for the senses. From midday, the avenues of the Parque González Hontoria fill with horses and carriages in a spectacular paseo (promenade). Riders in traditional Andalusian dress — flat-brimmed hats, short jackets, and leather chaps — trot past on glossy Andalusian stallions.

Inside the casetas, the atmosphere is lively and welcoming. Sherry flows freely — fino, manzanilla, amontillado — accompanied by tapas of jamón ibérico, pescaíto frito, and local cheeses. By evening, the casetas transform into dance floors where sevillanas and rumbas keep the crowd moving until the early hours.

The equestrian competitions are world-class: doma vaquera (Andalusian-style dressage), enganche (carriage driving), and acoso y derribo (a traditional herding skill). Even if you're not a horse enthusiast, the sheer beauty and elegance of these events is captivating.

The illuminated Portada (entrance gate) is a work of art in itself, changing design each year and providing the iconic backdrop for the entire celebration.

By Air: Jerez Airport (XRY) has direct flights from London, Frankfurt and other European cities, especially in spring. It's just 10 km from the city centre.

By Train: Regular RENFE trains connect Jerez with Seville (1 hour), Cádiz (30 minutes), and Madrid (3.5 hours via AVE to Seville + connection). The station is a 15-minute walk from the fairground.

By Car: Jerez is on the AP-4 motorway between Seville and Cádiz. During the Feria, free shuttle buses run from designated parking areas to the fairground.

Getting Around: The fairground is walkable from the city centre (20 minutes). Taxis and horse-drawn carriages are also available during fair week.

• Dress the part — traditional Andalusian attire (traje de flamenca or traje corto) is warmly welcomed
• Try the local sherries: fino and manzanilla with seafood, oloroso with meats
• Visit the Real Escuela Andaluza del Arte Ecuestre during fair week for special shows
• The best horse parades happen between 13:00 and 16:00
• Book a hotel in the centre — many fairgoers walk between the city and the Parque
• Take a bodega tour (Tío Pepe, Lustau, or Fundador) while in Jerez
• Weekday afternoons are best for enjoying the fair with fewer crowds