Sanlúcar de Barrameda Horse Races are celebrated in the month of August, in two cycles of three days each, coinciding with the low tide and with sufficient sun light to allow the competitions to take place. As it is a natural hippodrome, the planned dates depend on the tide calendar, as the racing days have to coincide with a good low tide, so that horses can race with sufficient shore and track along the beach. They have been declared a Festival of International Tourist Interest.

The first official horse races on the beach of Sanlúcar de Barrameda were held on 31st August, 1845. The origin of these races is believed to be found in the informal competitions that took place between the owners of the horses that transported fish from Bajo de Guía ancient port to the local markets and nearby towns. Of all the horse races that have been held in the province of Cádiz since the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century, only those of Sanlúcar have maintained their continuity over time, that is why they are considered to be the oldest of all those currently held, not only at provincial but also at Spanish level.

Nowadays, the best riders take part in these races. Over time, the competition has grown in prestige, variety and categories, and in the latest editions there are races for jockeys (professionals), gentlemen (amateurs) and horsewomen. In 1981 the competition experienced a boom, when the old Horse Society of Sanlúcar de Barrameda was re-founded, and since then it has been in charge of the organization. Today they are one of the most important sporting, tourist and social events of the summer in southern Spain.

The ritual takes place in two perfectly differentiated festive spaces. On the one hand, Las Piletas beach becomes an open-air racecourse, open to anyone who wishes to watch the races in situ, either from the sand or from the promenade.

The starting line for the races is mobile, depending on the distance to be covered by horses and jockeys, and is located approximately in front of Bajo de Guía seaside district. The finishing line is located at Punta del Espíritu Santo.

The other festive area is a private enclosure or tent, which is located in front of the finishing line and accessible by ticket or invitation. This second area houses several grandstands to watch the races, official betting booths, a central tent with a giant screen to follow the races, private boxes, indoor and outdoor bars, etc.

There are no major differences in the quality and quantity of the races, although in general the best prize money is awarded during the second cycle.

Period / Occurrence:

Since the beginning of the activity, it has been carried out during the month of August, although the date varies depending on the tides. There are two cycles of three days each and the programme depends on the low tide in the afternoon and evening.

Carrera de Caballos en la Playa. Photo: Eva Cote Montes. © Instituto Andaluz del Patrimonio Histórico

IAPH image under the conditions established under license cc-by 3.0 de Creative Common. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/es/

Carrera de Caballos en la Playa. Photo: Eva Cote Montes. © Instituto Andaluz del Patrimonio Histórico

IAPH image under the conditions established under license cc-by 3.0 de Creative Common. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/es/

Carrera de Caballos en la Playa. Photo: Eva Cote Montes. © Instituto Andaluz del Patrimonio Histórico

IAPH image under the conditions established under license cc-by 3.0 de Creative Common. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/es/

4. Carrera de Caballos. Andalucía Turismo y Deporte. www.andalucia.org

Historias de Luz. (2012). EHDL Carreras de Caballos de Sanlúcar de Barrameda – Turismo. [Archivo de Video].

Reference:
Instituto Andaluz del Patrimonio Histórico. Eva COTE MONTES, Atlas del Patrimonio Inmaterial de Andalucía. Fase 3. Zona 2. Carreras de Caballos de Sanlúcar de Barrameda, 2012.