Guide to Feria de Jerez (Feria del Caballo)
Every May, the city of Jerez de la Frontera in Spain comes alive with the Feria de Jerez (Feria del Caballo, or Horse Fair), one of Andalusia’s most celebrated festivals. Rooted in centuries-old livestock fairs, the event has evolved into a showcase of equestrian heritage, flamenco, sherry wine, and Andalusian culture. For an entire week, the González Hontoria Park transforms into a city within a city, filled with casetas (decorated tents), horse parades, music, and traditional cuisine.
Unlike other Spanish fairs, Jerez’s casetas are open to the public, offering visitors a welcoming atmosphere to experience flamenco dancing, local gastronomy, and the region’s world-famous sherry. Recognized as both a social and cultural highlight, the Feria del Caballo combines tradition, elegance, and festivity, making it one of the most authentic celebrations in Spain.
History of the Feria de Jerez
The origins of the Feria de Jerez, also known as Feria del Caballo, can be traced back to the 13th century, shortly after the Castilian conquest of Jerez. At that time, Alfonso X established fairs in newly conquered towns to help stimulate the local economy. In Jerez, one of these fairs focused on livestock, particularly horses, allowing traders to buy and sell animals tax-free. Historical records indicate that by 1481, the fair was already being held in the area stretching from Puerta del Real to Calle Francos, including the Plaza de la Yerba.
In the 19th century, the Feria evolved from a livestock market into a public celebration of Andalusian culture. Temporary pavilions, known as casetas, were introduced to host food, music, and dance. By 1856, the fair had begun to take the form of an exhibition, and in 1867, a Special Commission of Fairs was established to oversee its organization. Over time, the event became a week-long festival combining equestrian displays, flamenco, gastronomy, and sherry wine, shaping Jerez into a cultural hub each spring.
During the 20th century, some traditional activities, such as the “Batalla de las Flores” and horse races, were discontinued, while equestrian competitions, carriage contests, and morphological horse shows continued. In 1985, the city council removed most fixed casetas, except for a few historic ones, allowing the fairgrounds at Parque González Hontoria to accommodate new uses. Today, the Feria de Jerez preserves its equestrian heritage while also offering visitors an immersive cultural experience with horse parades, flamenco performances, gastronomy, and traditional architecture.
Traditions and Atmosphere
The Feria de Jerez is a celebration of authentic Andalusian culture, combining horses, music, dance, and gastronomy. Central to the fair are the casetas—temporary pavilions open to the public, offering flamenco, local cuisine, and sherry wine in a lively social setting.
Equestrian displays are a highlight, with daily parades, carriage processions, and dressage exhibitions at the Real Escuela Andaluza del Arte Ecuestre, showcasing Jerez’s long-standing horse heritage.
Flamenco performances and live music animate the fairgrounds, while evenings are illuminated with elaborate lighting, creating a festive atmosphere. Visitors can sample traditional tapas, pescaíto frito, Iberian ham, and sherry cocktails, experiencing the region’s culinary richness.
Together, these elements create a dynamic and immersive experience, connecting visitors with both the historical traditions and contemporary spirit of Andalusia.
Food and Cuisine
Gastronomy is a central part of the Feria de Jerez experience. Visitors can enjoy traditional Andalusian tapas such as pescaíto frito (fried fish), Iberian ham, and local pastries, all paired with Jerez’s famous sherry wines or the refreshing cocktail rebujito.
Many casetas serve these dishes alongside live flamenco, offering an immersive taste of local culture. For travelers seeking a more luxury experience, select venues and boutique restaurants in Jerez provide curated menus highlighting regional ingredients and wine pairings.
Planning Your Trip
The Feria de Jerez takes place each year in May at the Parque González Hontoria in Jerez de la Frontera. The fairgrounds are easily reached from Seville, Cádiz, or Málaga, making it a convenient stop on an Andalusian itinerary.
Most visitors spend two to three days at the fair, with highlights including the daily horse parades, evening flamenco, and sampling local cuisine in the casetas.
Accommodation ranges from luxury boutique hotels in the historic center to vineyard estates in the surrounding countryside. Booking well in advance is recommended, as hotels fill quickly during festival week.
Travelers can arrive by train or car from nearby cities, while Jerez Airport offers domestic and some international connections. Once at the fairgrounds, everything is within walking distance, creating a lively and immersive experience.
Practical Tips
Suggested Stay: Spend 2–3 days to experience horse parades by day and flamenco-filled casetas by night.
Accommodation: Rooms sell out fast in May, so book early. Options include the Hotel Casa Palacio María Luisa, a luxury boutique stay in Jerez’s historic center, or the Sherry Park Hotel, known for comfort and easy access to the fairgrounds.
Getting There: Jerez is well connected by train and car from Seville, Cádiz, and Málaga. Jerez Airport also handles domestic and some international routes.
VIP Experiences: Enhance your visit with private caseta access, reserved seats for equestrian shows, or an exclusive sherry cellar tour.
Connection with Andalusia
The Feria de Jerez is one of Andalusia’s most celebrated spring festivals, complementing the region’s rich cultural calendar. While it shares similarities with the Feria de Abril in Seville, famous for its grand scale and social gatherings, and the Feria de Málaga, known for its coastal flair and August festivities, Jerez’s fair stands out for its equestrian focus and deep ties to the world of sherry wine.
For travelers, the Feria provides an ideal opportunity to combine heritage, gastronomy, and local traditions in a single trip. Many visitors pair Jerez with nearby Seville and Cádiz, as well as guided tours of the area’s prestigious sherry wineries. A curated route such as our Charm of Andalusia itinerary brings these highlights together, offering a seamless way to experience the best of the region.
Plan Your Spanish Journey
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