Sanlúcar (Cádiz) continues its Carreras de Caballos (Horse Races) until Saturday with 100% hotel occupancy expected

Sanlúcar (Cádiz) continúa hasta mañana con sus carreras de caballos con la previsión del 100% de ocupación hotelera

Beginning yesterday and lasting until tomorrow, Saturday, the beaches of Sanlúcar de Barrameda, in Cádiz, play host to this season¿s new edition of the Horse Races. During the past few hours, up to forty thoroughbreds have been galloping around the seaside hippodrome.

The first race takes advantage of the low tide in Sanlúcar de Barrameda. These races have been declared events of international touristic interest, because in the background we can see Doñana National Park and because over 30,000 people gather on the beaches of Bajo Guía and Las Piletas. For some, its a purely social event.

And many make bets. This year, there will be close to 150,000 euros in prizes. The Sanlúcar races are divided into cycles. The first cycle starts today and ends Saturday. And the second cycle goes on until mid-month. There are 23 thoroughbred competitions in total. The races began in 1845. Some say it originates from the horses who brought fish to the market and how they would bound along the beach. Others believe it comes from English influence in the area and the sherry wineries. In any case, the races have made this town in Cádiz, along with San Sebastián and Santander, into pioneers of Spanish beach tourism.