In the Andalusian town of Sanlúcar de Barrameda, horse races take place along the beaches each summer, attracting thousands who come to watch the sunset spectacle. Here’s what you need to know and how to watch them.
What is it?
The Carreras de Caballos (Horse Races) of Sanlúcar de Barrameda have been taking place the coastal Cádiz town for almost 200 years.
They comprise of over 20 races taking place over several days between the beaches of Bajo de Guía and Las Piletas.
The dates are times of the races are dictated by the low tide, which vary each year.
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Typically they begin in the evening, finishing up at sunset. Almost 300,000 people come to watch the event, to see the horses galloping along the shore, framed by Doñana National Park in the distance.
Almost €211,000 are up for grabs for the winning jockeys of the 25 races this year, with the winner bagging €8,000, second place getting €3,200 and third and fourth getting €800.
When does it take place?
San Lucar’s iconic horse races will celebrate their 180th edition in 2025.
The first races will take place on August 5th, 6th and 7th, while the second lot will happen on August 19th, 20th and 21st.
Race days must coincide with a good low tide so that the thoroughbred horses can compete with sufficient shore and track space along the beach. This explains why the races always take place in August but never on fixed dates.
Sanlúcar’s first official beach horserace was held in 1845. Photo: Cristina Quicler/AFP
How can I watch?
The event is free, so you can simply turn up at the beach and watch.
If you get there early enough, there are also boxes and seats, which have been set up on the sand.
The Horse Racing Society also builds a temporary enclosure at the finish line, where horse bets can be placed.
If you want to watch them on TV or online, Sanlúcar’s local TV channel Costa Noroeste Televisión streams the races on their YouTube channel.
Spectators gather on the beach to see the annual beach horse races. (Photo by CRISTINA QUICLER / AFP)
How did it start?
There are several theories as to how the races began, but the most common one is that they started in the 19th century, when many members of the aristocracy moved to Sanlúcar for the health benefits of the sea.
Others claim they began as informal competitions where fishermen raced to transport fish from the old port to the local markets and nearby towns on horseback.
Sanlúcar’s horse races have been held officially since 1845 and the competition has grown both in size and in status. Once the races were just for men, but today professional jockeys, as well as amateur men and women take part.
The event has become a big deal, especially since 1981 when the Sanlúcar de Barrameda Horse Society was re-founded.
The sun sets on Sanlúcar de Barrameda as the beach horse races end. (Photo by CRISTINA QUICLER / AFP)
