The Historical Horse Race of Sanlucar de Barrameda

Several riders compete in a horse race as part of 173th Horse Races in the beach of the town of Sanlucar de Barrameda in Cadiz, southern Spain

Sanlucar de Barrameda (ESP), August 9, 2018 – Since 1845, during the evening’s 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.

The event comprises two 3-day cycles. On each day, beneath a spectacular sunset, riders compete for various prizes in a lively atmosphere. The festivities in Sanlúcar in honour of the local patron saint are held during the same period, and feature parades of carts and carpet of flowers in the streets in the centre of town.