The beach of Sanlúcar is transformed into a racecourse to host the second cycle of the 179th edition, with 13 races, 74 horses and the two big prizes of the season: the Grand Prize of Andalusia and the Grand Prize City of Sanlúcar, the latter endowed with 13,600 euros.
The beach of Sanlúcar de Barrameda is preparing for its most exciting days. The Last week of the Sanlúcar de Barrameda Horse Races 2024 arrives from August 28th to 30th with the second cycle of the 179th edition, turning the banks of the Guadalquivir into a real racecourse at sunset.
Beach umbrellas and towels will be exchanged for horses and jockeys seeking the grand prize. This great show has been held for several centuries, specifically since 1845, when the first official horse races took place in this town in Cadiz.
What are the Sanlúcar Horse Races?
The Sanlúcar de Barrameda Horse Races are one of the oldest and most charming equestrian competitions in Spain. Their most outstanding feature is that they are held on the beach, taking advantage of low tide so that the damp, compacted sand becomes a natural race track.
Mythology says that to rest, the god Phoebus unharnessed the fire horses from his chariot upon reaching the shores of Sanlúcar. Others attribute the origin of the races to those carried out by horses to haul fish, a hypothesis that others dismiss because those were endurance races and not speed races in the English style.
What is certain is that horses, seafood cuisine and enjoying summer afternoons on the beach of Sanlúcar go back a long way. At the end of the 19th century, the aristocracy moved to Sanlúcar for "sea bathing," thus becoming one of the pioneering destinations in the development of tourism in Spain along with Santander and San Sebastián.
Schedules and Dates of the Last week of the Sanlúcar de Barrameda Horse Races 2024
The Last week of the Sanlúcar de Barrameda Horse Races 2024 corresponds to the second cycle of the season, which will be held on:
The races always begin at sunset, taking advantage of low tide and the more pleasant temperatures at the end of the day, creating a unique image with the golden light of dusk over the Guadalquivir River.
Participation: 212 entries for 13 races
For this Last week of the Sanlúcar de Barrameda Horse Races 2024, a total of 212 entries have been received, including the two grand prizes of the season, corresponding to 74 horses for a total of 13 races:
These last three days concentrate the best financially endowed prizes of the entire racing season.
The grand prizes
- Grand Prize of Andalusia (Wednesday 28th) - Distance: 1,600 meters
- Prize money: 10,200 euros in prizes
- Sponsor: Ministry of Tourism of the Regional Government of Andalusia
- Grand Prize City of Sanlúcar (Friday 30th) - It is the most anticipated and important race of the season.
- Prize money: 13,600 euros in prizes
- Importance: maximum expectation
Professionals, gentlemen and amazons
The Sanlúcar Horse Races have been held since 1845 and today the best riders participate. The competition has grown in prestige and in recent editions there are races for:
This diversity further enriches the spectacle and allows for different styles and ways of understanding equestrianism.
History of the Sanlúcar de Barrameda Horse Races:
The Sanlúcar de Barrameda Horse Races began their official journey in 1845, making them one of the oldest in Spain. Throughout their history they have experienced periods of splendor and decline, but in 1981 they resurged with the refounding of the old Sanlúcar de Barrameda Horse Society, which has since been responsible for the organization.
The 2024 edition is number 179, a fact that speaks of the tradition and roots of this event in the province of Cadiz.
Who organizes the Last week of the Sanlúcar de Barrameda Horse Races 2024?
The organization of the races is carried out by the Sanlúcar de Barrameda Horse Society, refounded in 1981 and responsible since then for the resurgence and consolidation of this unique event.
The competition also has the support of important institutions and sponsoring companies.
Prominent sponsors 2024 of the Sanlúcar de Barrameda Horse Races 2024
For this new edition, the most prominent sponsors are:
- Royal Cavalry Armory of Seville
The presence of Barbadillo Wineries is no coincidence: Sanlúcar is a land of wines, and the famous manzanilla is an essential part of the experience.
Where is the Last week of the Sanlúcar de Barrameda Horse Races 2024 held?
The setting for the Last week of the Sanlúcar de Barrameda Horse Races 2024 is the beach of Sanlúcar, on the banks of the Guadalquivir River, right at the point where the great Andalusian river meets the Atlantic Ocean.
Low tide reveals an expanse of damp, compacted sand that becomes a natural race track, with the river and the Doñana National Park in the background. An incomparable setting.
Where to eat in Sanlúcar de Barrameda?
Sanlúcar de Barrameda is famous for its gastronomy, especially its prawns, considered by many to be the best in the world. During the races, the gastronomic offer multiplies:
- Bajo de Guía: the most famous area to eat in Sanlúcar, with beach bars and restaurants specializing in fresh fish and seafood.
- Restaurants in the center: with options for all budgets.
- Horse Society Marquee: private but charming space for enthusiasts.
- The perfect pairing: Sanlúcar prawns, manzanilla wine and horse races at sunset.
What does the Last week of the Sanlúcar de Barrameda Horse Races 2024 represent for Sanlúcar de Barrameda?
The Last week of the Sanlúcar de Barrameda Horse Races 2024 represents for the town:
- A national and international showcase that projects its image to the world
- An economic engine that fills hotels, restaurants and businesses
- A hallmark that differentiates Sanlúcar from other destinations
- The continuity of a tradition of almost two centuries
- A unique tourist attraction in Spain
Sanlúcar becomes during these days the epicenter of high society, horse lovers and tourists looking for a different experience.
Where to stay to enjoy the Last week of the Sanlúcar de Barrameda Horse Races 2024?
To enjoy the Last week of the Sanlúcar de Barrameda Horse Races 2024, it is essential to choose good accommodation. At THE SUN PLACES we have prepared a special selection of Luxury Apartments in Sanlúcar de Barrameda for you to live this unique experience with all the comforts.
THE SUN PLACES offers you:
- Designer apartments in the best areas of Sanlúcar
- Strategic locations near the beach and the center
- All the comfort and luxury for your stay to be unforgettable
- Personalized attention to recommend the best plans and corners
Contact THE SUN PLACES and let us help you find the perfect apartment to spend unforgettable days in the city with the most light in the world. Because when the Last week of the Sanlúcar de Barrameda Horse Races 2024 arrives, the magic is in the air... and in our accommodations.
Enjoy our luxury apartments in Sanlúcar de Barrameda that THE SUN PLACES has specially sought out for this special and family-friendly event.