Carreras de Caballos in Sanlúcar
When: 8th – 24th August 2018
Where: Sanlúcar, Spain
- Website: carrerassanlucar.es
Once the tide has gone out in the seaside town of Sanlúcar de Barrameda, it’s time to put on several horse races that were declared of International Tourist Interest in 1997. This intense 16-day festival was born two centuries ago and consists of two different cycles that take place during the month of August.
Sanlúcar de Barrameda, proud city on the Guadalquivir river
This celebration of the horse races is the perfect excuse to get to know the town of Sanlúcar in the Andalusian province of Cádiz, where Christopher Columbus left from on his journey to the Americas, as well as Magellan on his round-the-world trip.
The exquisite cuisine there is one of its greatest attractions, with the prawns of Sanlúcar being especially famous. The same is true of the Classical Music Festival and its popular festivals in honour of the Virgen de la Caridad (Our Lady of Charity).
The town’s economy developed on the basis of winemaking companies, trade and the contribution of the aristocracy. Over time, its prosperity increased, with various historic buildings concentrated there, such as the Ducal Palace of Medina Sidonia, the Castle of Santiago, the Plaza de San Roque and the Church of Nuestra Señora de la O.
Why the long face? It’s only a horse race…
The Sanlúcar Horse Races are held at the beginning and in the middle of August. This popular event is part of a tradition that even children participate in.
There are two different ways to see the races, either from the beach, where it is free, or from the boxes. The truth is that Sanlúcar sees a good number of visitors in summer, a figure that increases in August when you can enjoy these unique competitions live.
There is a reason for the beach races happening on the dates they do, and that is that they have to coincide with the tides going down. Only in this way is it possible for the horses to compete on the shore of the beach. The races usually begin in the middle of the afternoon and there are many different types races with thoroughbred horses.
The show couldn't be more intense and beautiful, with views of Doñana National Park, the horses galloping along the beach against the backdrop of the sunset. It’s not surprising that thousands of people come together to enjoy this unique moment.
It is the Sociedad de Carreras de Caballos (Horse Racing Society) that is in charge of organising the event, putting up a racetrack on the beach of the Playa de las Piletas. You can even bet on the winning horses right there on the beach, too. This horse racing event is not something new, with the municipality holding it since 1845, though it continues to be popular among visitors.
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