Jerez Fair 2026: history, atmosphere and how to experience it

If there is a party that sums up the soul of Andalusia, that is the Jerez fair. For a week, the city dresses up in polka dots and frills, horses parade proudly on the albero and the wineries open their hearts to the rhythm of flamenco. Whether it’s your first time attending or you already know this party, this complete guide will help you know when it is, where it is, what to do and how to experience it like a true Jerezano.

History of the Jerez Fair

The Jerez Fair has its roots in the 13th century, when King Alfonso X the Wise granted the city the privilege of holding a livestock fair. However, the popular celebration as we know it today began to take shape in 1868, when it was established as a festival in González Hontoria Park. Since then, it has grown non-stop to become one of the most recognized parties in Andalusia and a benchmark of Spanish folklore.

Over the years, the fair incorporated the elements that define it today: private and public booths, bullfights, equestrian exhibitions and that unique atmosphere that makes the nights of the fairground something unique in the world.

Why is it also called the Horse Fair?

The name “Horse Fair” is not casual. Jerez de la Frontera is the world capital of the Spanish horse, home to the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art and cradle of the Pure Spanish Breed (PRE). The presence of the horse at the fair is not decorative: it is identity. The parade of riders and decorated carriages on the albero is one of the most anticipated moments, and the equestrian exhibitions fill the venue with elegance and tradition.

If you want to delve into the equestrian culture of the city, in our article about horses of Jerez you will find the complete history of the bond between Jerez and its horses.

What to do at the Jerez Fair

The Jerez fair is much more than a night of festival. These are the essential plans:

• Walk through the albero. The heart of the fair. Enjoy the parade of riders, carriages and women dressed in flamenco. The best time is in the morning, when the golden light and the calm atmosphere invite you to get lost among the lanterns.
• Flamenco in the booths. The deep song and dance by bulerías sound on every corner of the fair. Some booths offer performances by top local artists that you won’t find in any tablao.
• Jerez cuisine. Rebujito, manzanilla, fried fish, garlic prawns and a glass of brandy after the meal. The fair is also a feast where the cuisine of Cadiz shines in all its splendor.
• Bulls at the Jerez Fair. The bullfighting program is part of the soul of the fair. The bulls of the Jerez fair gather each year national and international bullfighting figures in the bullring of Jerez, with top-level posters.
• The night atmosphere. From ten o’clock at night, the fairground transforms. The music, the dance and the joy mix with the aroma of manzanilla and orange blossom. The Jerez night has a special charm impossible to describe with words.

When is the Jerez Fair?

The Jerez Horse Fair 2026 is held from Saturday 9 to Saturday 16 May, coinciding with the Andalusian spring at its most generous. There are seven days of intense activity to which is added the previous day of the proclamation: on Friday, May 8 the inaugural proclamation will take place by the Jerez native Marco Antonio Velo in the municipal booth, the official starting gun before the lighting.

The 2026 edition also comes with a special incentive: the fair will be dedicated to Jerez as the Spanish Capital of Gastronomy, which reinforces the culinary axis of the program—with Tuesday, May 12 as Gastronomy Day—without losing any of its equestrian and flamenco identity.

If you intend to visit Jerez for the fair, we recommend booking accommodation several months in advance. The city fills up quickly and prices can skyrocket during those days.

Map and location of the Jerez Fair

The location of the Jerez fair is the González Hontoria fairground, located on Álvaro Domecq avenue, one of the main arteries of the city. This privileged location, a few minutes from the historic center, facilitates access both by car and by public transport.

To orient yourself within the fairground, the City Council publishes each year the official map of the Jerez fair on their website, where you can locate booths, stages, services, and entrances. Checking the map before arriving —especially if you are traveling with family or in a group— is highly recommended so you don’t get lost.

How to get to the Jerez fair? The most convenient option is public transportation. The buses of the Jerez fair operate special lines with higher frequency from the city center and from the bus station, with extended hours during the fair nights. You can also walk from the historic center in about 20-25 minutes via Álvaro Domecq avenue.

The Fundador booth at the Jerez Fair

This May, Brandy Fundador has its own space in the fair: the Fundador Booth Nº 36, one of the liveliest meeting points of the fair. If you look at the map of the Jerez fair, you will easily find it by the number and by the atmosphere that surrounds it.

Inside, the proposal is as Jerez-like as the fair itself: menus to share with the best of Andalusian cuisine, the complete selection of Fundador brandies and the most refreshing cocktails of the season. At night, live music every day turns the booth into one of the most charming corners of the fair.

To reserve your spot or request more information, you can contact the booth team directly:

Phone: 630 611 731

Check the complete menu and the performance schedule on our website.

Other questions you may have about the fair

Dress code for the Jerez de la Frontera Fair: how you should dress

One of the most common doubts among visitors is how to dress for the Jerez fair. The short answer: with a flamenco dress or country suit. The Jerez fair is perhaps the most demanding in Andalusia in terms of clothing, and dressing well is part of respecting the tradition.

How to dress at the Jerez fair? The flamenco dress is the queen option. Choose bright colors —large polka dots, flowers, stripes— and complete the look with a small shawl, flower in the hair, and comfortable shoes. The albero (crushed limestone) is treacherous with thin heels, so opt for wedges or flat shoes if you plan to walk in the morning.

Jerez Fair men’s attire: The traditional Andalusian outfit —short jacket, campero trousers and Cordobes hat— is the most traditional choice and the one that best fits with the equestrian spirit of the fair. If you don’t have a campero outfit, elegant sportswear (linen shirt, light trousers) is perfectly suitable for nights in the booths.

When is the lighting of the Jerez Fair?

The lighting of the Jerez Fair 2026 is one of the most anticipated moments of the entire celebration. It is scheduled for Saturday, May 9 at 10:00 PM: at that moment, millions of LED points illuminate the arches and streets of González Hontoria and a fireworks show marks the official start of the party. The lighting attracts thousands of people every year and is one of those priceless moments —and once experienced, it makes the fair forever etched in memory.

How many booths are there at the Jerez Fair?

The Jerez Fair 2026 hosts 175 assigned booths, including private, clubs, associations, brotherhoods and municipal booths open to the general public. To know which ones are open access, it is best to consult the official map of the Jerez Fair published by the City Council each year.

The municipal booths are the best option for those visiting the fair without acquaintances in the city: they do not require an invitation, offer the same festive atmosphere as the private ones and usually have a bar service and dance floor. A perfect way to mingle with the locals and experience the fair from within.

Did this guide help you? Discover more about the culture and gastronomy of Jerez on the Brandy Fundador blog.