Jerez Horse Fair

Jerez de la Frontera is the city located in the southern Spanish province of Andalusia (in Spanish Andalucía). The locals are especially proud of their love for horses. They organize the Jerez Horse Fair or Feria de Caballo, as it is officially known. In 2014 the fair is held between the 11th and 18th of May.

Jerez Horse Fair

The fair is actually held in the Gonzalo Hontoria Park. According to experts the origins of this fair lay more than five centuries ago. There were many medieval fairs dealing in farm animals. These fairs were usually organized from April to September.

The agreement signed by the merchant of Jerez in 1491 meant the start of the Jerez Horse Fair. In time the local winer producers joined the fair. The fair became much more than an ordinary meeting of business people.

In 1903 the fair got its official location or the “recinto”. It was also agreed that indiviudals and various societies can make their own buildings called “casetas”. There they can have fun and invite their guests. Nowadays there are about 250 casetas. There is even a competition for the best looking caseta.

Women in traditional flamenco-style dresses

The participants wear traditional flamenco-style clothes. Horses at the fair are beautifully decorated. Lot of wine is drank. Some people also drink the “rebujito” which is the combination of wine and lime soda. Various fish, seafood, pork and other dishes are available.

During the fair there several bullfighting and horse competitions. There are two major awards – Golden Horse (Caballo de oro) and Champion of the Champions (Campeón de campones).