What You Need To Know About Celebrating Jerez de la Frontera’s Feria del Caballo

There’s nothing more fun, exciting, or traditionally Spanish than attending a Feria.

Spain’s Ferias are annual local festivals which celebrate traditional Spanish culture including flamenco dancing, costume, and even horse riding. You’ll also find traditional fair entertainment such as amusements, rides, and junk food. 

One of Spain’s most famous and popular Ferias is Seville’s busy April Fair. But if you’re looking for something a little quieter but just as exciting then why not try the Jerez de la Frontera’s Feria del Caballo which takes place each May.

Here’s everything you need to know about this wonderful Andalusian feria:

Why Seville’s Fair Might Not Be The Right Choice For You

When you think Feria, you think Seville. This is the Spanish fair most often included in Spanish guidebooks and the one you’ll see all over social media too.

But Seville’s April Fair is so big and so busy that it isn’t the best spot to visit for your first feria experience. What’s more in Seville, visitors aren’t allowed to enter many of the tents or marquees that characterise the event and are where the main music and dancing events take place. These tents are reserved by private companies or owned by large family groups, which means you can only enter them if you’re invited.

Why Should You Visit The Feria Del Caballo In Jerez De La Frontera?

The Feria del Caballo is a slightly smaller feria and attracts more locals than tourists but there are many benefits of attending this fun, traditional events. Firstly, all of the casetas (tents and marquees) are free to enter, so you can take part in all of the fun.

The Jerez festival is very similar to the Seville festival, and it’s pretty close by too! Jerez is 90km south of Seville. Even when the feria isn’t taking place, Jerez is an interesting and culturally rich place to explore, famed for its horses, flamenco, and delicious sherry. Jerez is one point of the famous sherry triangle and some of the most prestigious Spanish sherry is produced here.

People also visit Jerez to explore hte  Real Escuela Andaluza del Arte Ecuestre (Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art). This is where some of Spain’s most talented horses perform and dance with their riders.

The Feria is an opportunity for all of these elements of Jerez’s culture to come together.

When Does The Feria Del Caballo Take Place?

The date of the Feria Del Caballo changes every year but for 2024 it will take place from 4th May to 11th May. The main fair takes place in the Parque González Hontoria which is located just north of the city centre.

What To Expect At The Jerez De La Frontera Feria Del Caballo

There’s so much to see and do at this traditional feria. If you enjoy horses, then you can watch one of the many dressage competitions that take place during the daytime. During the evening the whole town will head to the fairground where partying and drinking until the early hours is the order of the day.

Although by no means obligatory, you’ll find many of the locals wearing flamenco costumes and riding in horse-drawn carriages which adds to the festive feeling of the event. There are decorations hanging, twinkling fairy lights, and plenty of marquees full of entertainment options and, of course, barrels of sherry everywhere too. The most popular drink is rebujito, the feria’s classic tipple which is a mixture of sherry and lemonade.

Next to the park, which has been turned into a mini festival city, is a traditional fairground. This is popular with children and adults alike. You can ride options such as tea cups and bumper cars, as well as fairground games such as coconut shies.

Jerez de la Frontera has an excellent reputation for being one of the best places to experience a typical Andalusian feria.

Are you thinking of moving to Spain? Perhaps you like the idea of submerging yourself into the traditional Spanish lifestyle and visiting all the local ferias in your new Spanish home? Whatever your dream, we can help. Why not get in touch with our team of local property experts today, to find out more about how we can help you.