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Mythological chronicles say that the god Febos , that of the bright and the beautiful, disengaged his beloved horses of fire every time he reached the shores of Sanlúcar de Barrameda , the Cadiz town located on the left bank of the mouth of the Guadalquivir . And they say that this is why, today, every summer, the hardest horses still see their faces in the classic races on the beach. Be that as it may, this year the 174th edition of the contest is celebrated and here we reveal all its keys.
The origin of a classic: informal competitions
Mythological stories aside, the first time that the races are recorded is at the beginning of the 19th century, when horses that transported fish from the Bajo de Guía beach to nearby markets and towns were used in informal competitions . The equestrian tradition was maintained to the point that in 1845 the Horse Racing Society of Sánlucar was created with the aim of "promoting the Andalusian horse race whose interesting field is of useful use for agriculture in the country." One of the activities to carry it out would be the races. The first one was held on August 31 of that year.
Dates of the races
These races on the beach, the second in antiquity that were regulated in Spain and the oldest among those currently being held in the country, are divided into two cycles. The first took place from August 9 to 11 and the second will be from August 25 to 27.
WHERE they are celebrated
On the beaches of Bajo de Guía and Las Piletas, where the official site of the races takes place. There are two parking areas enabled and also transportation from the promenade.
Is the event free?
The show, recognized of International Tourist Interest, as such is free if viewed from the beach and in the areas enabled for it. Tickets for the stands cost between 11 and 14 euros and there the visibility is greater. Then there would be the VIP boxes. Not surprisingly, after the races, this area comes alive with a hit of live music and gastronomic tributes until dawn.
How the contest works
These are 24 races and 13 tests involving 80 thoroughbreds , which cover distances ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 meters. The races are divided into two cycles of three days each. Each day has its corresponding prizes (for which there is a 250,000 euros game of the 700.00 euros of total budget for this 174 edition) depending on the age and characteristics of the animals and the distances traveled, as well as the Great Second cycle awards such as Andalusia. In addition, this year others are awarded such as the commemoration this 2019 of the 500 years of the first World Tour of the World by Magallanes and Elcano. Do not forget that Sanlucar was an important enclave in the conquest of the New World, as it served as a union with Seville and from here the third trip to the Americas from Christopher Columbus.
Renowned stables
Regarding the participation of the thoroughbreds, stables such as Nanina, Celso Méndez, La Gitana, El Potro Club, Río Cubas and Tinerfe , winner of the Sanlucar City Grand Prix in 2018 stand out.
Schedules according to low tide
The show usually begins around half past six in the afternoon and concludes at half past nine, although it depends on the low tide, which determines both the date of the races and the start time. The sunset is the climax of the contest, which is usually attended by around 30,000 people.
Children's booths and other curiosities
These races are part of the national circuit along with those of Mijas, Sevilla and San Sebastián , so the regulations by which they are governed are the same. Another curiosity: the little ones enjoy the contest to the fullest when placing their betting houses (for just a few cents) along the beach. Grace is to see which of them is the most striking and colorful. It is one of the most recognized prints of each year. Other of the protagonists of the contest are the ambassadors elected each year. This time the chosen ones were Fernando Hermoso (from the well-known Bigot e de Sánlucar restaurant), Álvaro Domecq, José Luis Martínez, Toñi Moreno, Enriqueta Vila, Teresa de la Cierva and Beatriz de Orleans y Borbón.
HOW TO DRESS: THE PAMELA THAT DOES NOT MISS
Some people approach the races after a day at the beach, but theirs is to dress in an arranged but informal way. That does not mean that the ladies bring out their best clothes and their pamelas in the purest Ascot style. A classic. They do not hesitate to dress in guayaberas and panama hats.
Other parallel events
It is clear that summer is the star moment of the town of Cádiz and more during the race days. Hence, in parallel, festivals such as On the banks of the Guadalquivir, of classical music are organized and there are live concerts in each corner. There is no lack of the Pura Moda parade , in which local designers participate. Processions are also held on carpets of colored salt in honor of the Virgen de la Caridad. On the other hand, the restaurants of the city do not hesitate to offer special menus these days. There is much more: the Night of Solidarity Boxes , the Shrimp Fair ...
More information on the websites of www.carrerassanlucar.es, www.cadizturismo.com and www.andalucia.org
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