With the arrival of spring, many people begin to think of lanterns, flamenco dresses and sevillanas. The fairs are not just another party; for many Andalusians it is a way of seeing life and expressing their joy and tradition, the colors and the heat of Andalusia. A beautiful way of enjoying Cadiz that you cannot miss.
And you may be wondering, why the province of Cadiz?
Although the best-known and most visited fairs in Andalusia are usually the Seville April Fair and, the Cordoba and Malaga fair, the truth is that in the province of Cadiz there are fairs in almost all municipalities. You will be able to enjoy the good weather, the Andalusian traditions, the most well-known tapas, the warmth and hospitality of its people and an environment as wonderful as Cadiz. The fairs of the province are an alternative to enjoy the spring and summer in Cadiz.
A day at the fair
The province’s fairs usually come alive at lunchtime, where families and friends eat the most typical tapas of the province: salmorejo, “pescaíto frito”, fried peppers or montaditos together with the best Jerez wines and other refreshing drinks, such as beer or “tinto de verano”. In the afternoon, the booths become the ideal place to dance sevillanas and drink “rebujito”, a refreshing drink that mixes wine with some soda. When night falls, the booths become discos where young and old enjoy the latest music until the wee hours of the morning. After partying hard, the only thing you need to do is regain your strength to enjoy the fair the next day.
The Horse Fair
The most well-known fair in the province of Cadiz is, without doubt, the one from Jerez de la Frontera. It lasts one week, with hot days and pleasant nights, making it the ideal celebration to get to know Jerez de la Frontera and its triad of horses, wine and flamenco. Its horse carriages, the “alumbrao” and its 200 booths will catch your attention at a party where you will feel part of the most purely Andalusian tradition.
The Manzanilla Fair
Just a few days later, you can enjoy the spectacular fair of Sanlucar de Barrameda. The environment where this celebration takes place is unique, since the venue occupies the town’s promenade. Therefore, there is no better place to have a glass of Manzanilla while enjoying the scenery that Doñana and the estuary of the Guadalquivir river offer.
Spring Fair and Jerez Wine Party
Almost at the same time as the fair of Sanlúcar de Barrameda, we can enjoy the fair of El Puerto de Santa María. One of the most awaited fairs in the province, which follows in the wake of the Jerez fair, with its atmosphere both day and night and the cult of horses and Jerez wine.
The Chiclana Fair
Of ancient cattle raising tradition, in June you cannot miss the Jerez wine of Chiclana nor the typical costumes of the girls from Chiclana, as well as the ballot for the Chiclanera Mayor for both adult and children’s categories.
Fair of Algeciras
Declared as a point of Tourist Interest in Andalusia and as the most famous in Campo de Gibraltar, the fair of Algeciras takes place in June. Although it follows in the wake of the traditional Andalusian fair, it also has different acts and shows such as the Bullfighting Fair and the Retinto Cattle Exposition Fair.
Fair of Carmen y la Sal
In July, San Fernando dresses in frills to honor her patron saint, the Virgen del Carmen, who goes out in a seafaring procession. As this celebration is in the middle of July, the life and bustle of the fairground usually begins in the afternoon. But do not worry! You will be able to enjoy the best gastronomy and sevillanas until dawn as well as the ballot for the Salineras and their typical costumes.
Other fairs
Almost every city and town in Cadiz has their own fair. From April 26, with the fair of the beautiful town of Vejer de la Frontera and, until the end of September you will be able to enjoy them. And during this time you will get to know the towns, the culture and the tradition of Cadiz. You cannot miss fairs like the one in Rota (beginnings of May), La Línea de la Concepción (in July) or the ones from Pueblos Blancos. The only sure thing is that, if you visit any fair, next year you will come back and repeat. There is no more beautiful and fun way to enjoy this place than through the fairs in the province of Cadiz.