Spring Fair in El Puerto de Santa Maria – Feria de Primavera & Fiesta del Vino Fino

The Feria de El Puerto de Santa Maria (officially Feria de Primavera y Fiesta del Vino Fino) is one of the friendliest and most authentic fairs in the province of Cadiz. For six days at the beginning of May the huge Las Banderas fairground becomes a riot of colour: fair-tents, horse-drawn carriages, sevillanas and ice-cold fino sherry. Unlike the more exclusive fairs of Seville or Cordoba, every single tent here is open to the public – that’s what makes it so special and so welcoming. If you want to experience real Andalusian warmth and joy, this is the place to be.

What to expect at the fair

Six glorious days – usually Wednesday to Monday – revolve around horses, sherry and pure celebration. Dozens of public fair-tents line the streets of Las Banderas, ringing to the sound of sevillanas and the latest hits. By day there are elegant horse-and-carriage parades; by night the tents come alive with music and dance. The air is thick with the scent of tortillitas de camarones (prawn fritters) and rebujito (sherry with lemonade). This is a proper people’s fair – nobody is left out.

A brief history of the fair

It started in the 19th century as a livestock and horse market. Over the decades the trading gave way to pure celebration. Since the 1980s it has been held on the spacious Las Banderas site – perfect for thousands of visitors, carriages and tents.

What not to miss

Between 1 pm and 8 pm riders in short jackets and women in flamenco dresses parade through the grounds. After dark the tents explode with music and dancing. Make sure you try:

• Rebujito and chilled fino from the town’s famous bodegas
• Tortillitas de camarones, fresh prawns and caracoles
• The great switching-on of the lights on Tuesday evening
• Crowning of the fair queen on Wednesday
• Friday “Día del Niño” – big discounts on all the rides
• Huge fireworks display on Monday night to close the fair

Practical tips for the fair

Why you should visit this fair

Few events capture the soul of Andalucía quite like El Puerto’s feria: open tents, horses, sherry, seafood and a warmth that’s utterly contagious. Add the wide beaches of Valdelagrana and Puerto Sherry, plus some of Spain’s finest bodegas, and you have the perfect mix of party and holiday.

Tip: Stay at least two or three nights so you can enjoy the beach and town by day and dive into the fair each evening.

Getting to the fair from Malaga

El Puerto de Santa Maria is just 220 km west of Malaga Airport – an easy 2½-hour drive along the AP-7 past the Costa del Sol.

Car Hire – total freedom

Pick up your car at the airport and enjoy a relaxed coastal drive. Stop in Marbella or Tarifa if you fancy, and you’ll still arrive in plenty of time for the lights. The fairground has huge, free, guarded car parks – and with your own wheels you can easily explore Valdelagrana beach, Puerto Sherry marina or the sherry bodegas of Jerez afterwards.

Car Hire Malaga Airport

Private Transfer – arrive relaxed

No fuss after your flight. A private transfer takes you and your luggage straight to your hotel in El Puerto or – on the busiest fair days – right to the Las Banderas entrance. Ideal for groups or anyone who just wants to step straight into the party.

Book Private Transfer

*No credit card or deposit required in advance. Book early for the best prices and availability.

Getting around once you’re there

From the town centre, buses 1 & 2 plus special fair buses run directly to Las Banderas. On Fridays and Saturdays the M-452 comes from Jerez. Taxis are available 24/7.

Tourist Information