Jerez De La Frontera – wine, sherry, horses and flamenco!
North from el Puerto de Santa Maria we arrive at the world famous Jerez de la Frontera well known for its wines and sherry, its horses and flamenco. Described as one of the noblest towns in the Cadiz Province it brings together the splendour of aristocratic palaces and the typical Andalucian architecture.
This towns Arab post is clearly depicted in its walls, the fortress and the mosque. However, the towns cathedral stands on the site of a mosque with its imposing tower followed by a square and the church of San Miguel, a beautiful open space surrounded by orange trees.
Flamenco
Pay a visit to the Andalucian Flamenco Centre in the former Permantin Palace where you will be able to learn more about this art, of which Jerez is a master. Follow this with a visit to the district of Santiagowhere the greatest flamenco tradition resides. Here amongst the white washed houses you will find numerous clubs dedicated to flamenco.
If you happen to be in the area between late February and March you will experience the flamenco festival of Jerez with two weeks of music and dancing making this festival one of the most important of its kind.
Horses
The breeding of Cartujana horses is intimately linked with Jerez. The annual horse fair held in May is a festival where horses and riders demonstrate their skills. Needless to say these competitions as in true Andalucian styleare accompanied by singing, dancing and food. This equestrian tradition is dominant in the Royal Andalucian School of Equestrian Art where demonstrations are held depicting the Dance of the Andalucian Horse.
Wine Cellars
Wine is synonymous with Jerez and its numerous wine cellars will allow you to get to know the traditional method of wine-making which forms an integral part of the culture.
The sherry production houses are located smack in the middle of town and are regarded as aristocratic. The unusual architecture of these temples to wine is outstanding. You can enjoy cellars such as “La Concha” (Gonzalez Byass), Domecq’s “Gran Bodega” and “La Bodega del Tio Pepe”. Tours of these cellars run on weekdays followed by sampling of the various wines produced. Check out our page on Spanish Wine Information.
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