Sanlúcar de Barrameda: Horse races on the beach
Cádiz apartments: Enjoy one of Europe’s oldest horse riding competitions in Sanlúcar de Barrameda
Since 1845, during the afternoon low tide in the month of August, the beaches of Sanlúcar de Barrameda have been used for horse races. Popular tradition has it that the origins of these celebrations go back to the informal competitions that took place between fishmongers, to see who could get to market first. Sanlúcar de Barramedad is one of the three towns of Cádiz province which, together with Jerez de la Frontera and El Puerto de Santa María, make up the world-famous sherry triangle.
The races take place every August, and are spread over two separate three-day events. At low-tide at the mouth of the Guadlquivir River, just as the sun is setting, and with the marshes of the Doñana National Park as the backdrop across the other side of the river. The racehorses run for distances ranging between 1.2 and 2 kilometres, while a crowd of thousands watches jockeys from Spain and elsewhere in Europe resplendent in their racing colours as the horses’ hooves pound across the wet sands. There is official betting, with an unofficial system run by children on the side, and total prize money running into the millions. The largest purse is awarded during the last weekend of the races, for the first horse to cross the line in the two kilometre stretch in the Gran Premio Ciudad de Sanlúcar.
On each day, beneath a spectacular sunset, riders compete for various prizes in a lively atmosphere. Anyone can attend free of charge and at the finish line there are official betting stands, increasing the excitement of each race. Extra fun is provided by the children, who organise their own bets in original, colourful tents they set up all along the beach. Coinciding with the races, Sanlucar’s patron saint fiestas are also celebrated, with parades and flower carpets in the streets of the city centre.
According to tradition, the horse races owe their origins to the informal races which used to take place between the owners of the working horses which were used to transport fish from the former port of Bajo de Guía to the local markets and other nearby towns. The first race was organised by an association which was set up specifically to promote the Andalucía breed of horse, the Sociedad de Carreras de Caballos de Sanlúcar de Barrameda. It has been held almost without interruption ever since, and now straddles the festivities held in honour of the town’s patron saint, Nuestra Señora de la Caridad Coronada. This annual race on the flat southern sands of this part of Andalucía is today renowned all over the world, and has been classed as International Tourism Interest since 1997. The King of Spain, Juan Carlos I, is Honorary President of the Racing Club.
Sanlúcar de Barrameda
Located across from the Doñana National Park, on the left bank of the Guadalquivir river, this town is famous for its “manzanilla” sherry cellars, and the horse races at the beach.
The origins of the city centre go back to Muslim times, as can be observed in the present appearance, with its narrow streets, zigzagging towards the river and the sea. Its most attractive features include its mild climate, the beaches of Bajo de Guía, Calzada, Las Piletas and La Jara, as well as numerous monuments, such as the castle of Santiago, from the 15th century; the palace of the Infantes of Orleans and Borbón, present site of the City Hall; the church of Nuestra Señora de la O; the palace of the dukes of Sidonia, which at present houses the municipal archives; and the convent of Santo Domingo, from the 16th century.
Sanlúcar de Barrameda was the site of a defensive fort during the Moorish occupation, and, once retaken by the Castilian monarchy, was first a major trading port and then one of the points of departure for the conquistadores after the discovery of the New World. Christopher Columbus set sail from Sanlúcar on his third voyage in 1498. Another historical departure came in 1519, when the explorer, Ferdinand Magellan, set sail with 270 men on his attempt to circumnavigate the globe.
Sanlúcar de Barrameda Horse Races Dates:
First cycle: August 12, 13, 14
Second cycle: August 27, 28, 29
Venue: on the beach
