Exciting Happenings at Jerez de la Frontera
Jerez de la Frontera lies in Andalucia and possesses a rich history that is worth a visit anytime.The name Jerez was derived from Sherry; it is appropriate as this town is one of 3 towns which produce sherry.
The other two places are nearby Sanlucar at Barrameda and El Puerto at Santa Maria. But there is some distinction in the other 2 towns’ wine production; El Puerto is more renowned for its finos and amontillados whereas Sanlucar produces a different range and flavor such as the manzanilla.
Overview:
Jerez is set up on the plains of sherry and brandy vineyards. It has been very successful in its commercial winery industry for a long time. The wine industry goes a long way back to the Anlo-Andaluz generations who started this industry and are still very active today, wielding much economic and social power.
The town slogan is ‘Jerez-Pura Andalucia’ which refers to the beautiful and ideal image of this area where it is abundant with rich vineyards, grand palaces, large estates and land barons who breed fine horses, bullfighting and flamenco culture.
Attractions:
There are lots of exciting places to visit while at Jerez. A tour of the bodegas is a must for any visitor. The bodegas are the winery production houses where you can observe how wine, especially sherry, is produced. You usually can have a taste of it and purchase some for your own enjoyment at home.
Next to visit is the equestrian school, the Real Escuela Andaluza, where many stables stand majestically with beautifully decorated and well-maintained carriages used for the school’s training. You might be lucky to observe one of its training sessions, too.
Thursdays are an ideal day of visit because an equestrian ballet performance is held that will take your breath away; it is a very polished and perfected show that one must see while visiting Jerez. The splendid performance moves to the vibrant Spanish music with its dancers and performers dressed in seventeenth century costumes.
The Museo de Relojes must also be on your itinerary. This place is home to Europe’s best and varied art collection with 300 pieces in total; its pieces are all dated between the 17th and 19th centuries.
Fiestas in Jerez:
Two annual events that are actively celebrated make Jerez extra special. The yearly Jerez Horse Fair which takes place in May is a spectacular event which has been going on since the Middle Ages when European traders would come from great distances to participate. There is a tradition in which holding the reigns of a horse constitutes a confirmed sale!
Another much celebrated event is the Fiestas de Otoño which is celebrated in conjunction with the festival, Feria de Caballo, making it Jerez’s largest and most festive celebration each year. It begins in late September and runs to October with lots of merry making and festivity.