Every year in Jerez de la Frontera, there is an homage to horses at the Feria del Caballo, the Horse Fair. This event, which has a long history, commemorates this important animal, venerating them, appreciating them and caring for them. Public stalls, decorations and traditional costumes invade the streets of the city to enjoy a fair in pure Andalusian style. In this article, you can find out all about the origins and history Jerez Horse Fair, an event that has been declared of International Tourist Interest.
Jerez, city in Cádiz
Jerez de la Frontera is the most populous municipality in the province of Cádiz. Its privileged location, bathed by the Atlantic Ocean, along with its central position has made it an important communications link in Andalusia, and is possibly as famous for its sherry as for its horses.
Its long history and tradition give it a unique beauty that can be seen in its monuments, such as the Cathedral of Jerez de la Frontera, its numerous churches, monasteries, palaces and museums, or the more traditional festivals such as the Horse Fair, which is held every May in the city.
The Horse Fair
The Horse Fair is a unique event in which a large part of the Andalusian tradition is concentrated. As its name indicates, this fair makes mention to the legendary and beautiful equine animal that has always been present in the area, where it used to graze on the land alongside herds of wild bulls.
During the Horse Fair, the riders venerate and pay homage to all the fauna of the land of Cádiz but particularly to the horse, one of the most important cogs in the machine of Cádiz's economy.
To speak of the origin and history of this particular Andalusian fair, we must go back to 1264, when King Alfonso X "the Wise" promoted medieval fairs to encourage the economic activities of agriculture and livestock. Years after the Christian conquest of Andalusia, the fairs became a centre of attraction and entertainment for the people, not just a place of commercial exchange. Shows, tournaments and horse races were held in the fairs, among other activities. Thus, the Andalusian fair served as a social link that helped to confirm the identity of the Andalusian community after the Muslim expulsion.
In the Jerez area, horse breeding acquired great fame back in the 19th century, meaning that sporadic fairs gradually began to be held in Jerez, where prize specimens were presented and different activities were held to welcome the spring.
In 1966, Primo de Rivera grouped the Jerez fairs with an equine presence under the name of Feria del Caballo, the Horse Fair as we know it today. These days, unique activities continue to take place, with the processions on horseback and the shows of equine prowess being unmissable for any visitor. The flamenco dances, livestock, Andalusian tradition, typical costumes and, above all, the great protagonist, the horse, all come together every May to give soul to a festival that has great prestige throughout the whole Spanish territory.
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