Home of sherry
Sherry is a white wine made from grapes and the city of Jerez de la Frontera in Andalusia, Spain is famous for this wine. Sherry is produced in many different varieties, mainly from the Palomino grape, from the lighter versions similar to white table wines, Manzanilla and Fino. The darker and heavier versions are Amontillado and Oloroso. Sweet dessert wines are also made from Pedro Ximenez or Moscatel grapes, sometimes blended with Palomino sherry.
When you visit Jerez De La Frontera, you will find wineries, museums, bars and restaurants offering food and wine everywhere. Each has its own characteristics. Manzilla is drier and lighter, Fino shows off its character with almond aromas. Pedro Ximenez is naturally sweeter and is considered by locals to be the perfect aperitif before a meal.
Ancient city
With its wide streets, squares and rows of jacaranda trees that bloom brilliantly throughout the spring, Jerez De La Frontera makes visitors swoon at first sight when they first visit this beautiful city.
Jerez De La Frontera’s antiquity is also a highlight, with its many fountains, palaces, churches and orange trees. Visitors can explore the recently restored 11th-century Moorish fortress; the Cathedral of El Salvador, which was once a mosque and houses the famous painting La Virgen Nina by Zurbarán; the Villamarta Theatre, which is well worth a visit; or simply wander around the old town of Jerez De La Frontera.
Flamenco Music
Flamenco is a type of music and dance that originated in Andalusia in the 19th century. Coming to the city of Jerez De La Frontera, visitors cannot miss this cultural feature. Flamenco music has a fast tempo but is also very detailed (typically the way the right hand snaps the fingers evenly and quickly when playing the flamenco guitar).
The city of Jerez De La Frontera is known as Cuna Del Flamenco (the cradle of Flamenco music) and every night you will find bailaoras (dancers) in traditional red costumes performing, accompanied by cantaores (singers) and guitarists on the streets here.
Flamenco shows are held in bars, restaurants, etc. all over the city, especially in the Santiago and San Miguel neighborhoods. Visitors can visit the Andalusian Flamenco Center to learn more about this music. In addition, Jerez De La Frontera is also the venue for the International Flamenco Festival de Jerez, usually held in February and March, and the Buleria festival in September every year.
The Art of Equestrianism
The Andalusian horse is famous all over the world for its graceful and special beauty. According to many experts, the Andalusian horse breed was raised by monks with a passion for horses in the 15th century in Jerez De La Frontera. Therefore, the city has always held horse festivals with events and magnificent equestrian art programs for many years.
The best place to see a show is at the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Arts at the Palacio Recreo de las Cadenas. Here, you will enjoy an authentic equestrian ballet with typical Spanish music and traditional 18th-century costumes. The dances are based on classical and country costumes. The city of Jerez De La Frontera also boasts a large Equestrian Museum, where you can see a collection of carriages and jewelry used in equestrian arts throughout the centuries.
City of festivals
A city famous for sherry, flamenco and horses, Jerez De La Frontera is also home to some fantastic festivals throughout the year, the biggest being the Festival de Jerez, held in February and March. The highlight of this festival is Flamenco music, so don’t be surprised if you see locals on the streets inviting you to join in the dancing.
In May, the city is famous for the Jerez horse festival, which has a history of more than 500 years, held at the Gonzalo Hontoria Fair Center. The wine harvest festival is held in September, focusing on sherry, wine, culinary arts and music.
Holy Week in Jerez De La Frontera is celebrated with spectacular processions with incense, chanting and some very colorful costumes taking place at the end of the year.
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