While in Cadiz one can enjoy many traditional and diverse folk festivals, many of which date back centuries. The majority of the villages host their own individual events but here is a list of some of the most famous.

The Cadiz Carnival

Held between February and March and is centred around colourful competitions and parades of vibrant fancy dress and a pageant which is described as witty, innovative and doused with irony.

Semana Santa

During Easter usually in March or April, villages throughout Spain celebrate the Holy Week or Semana Santa as it is known in Spain. This dramatic display of costumes, ritual and sacrifice is well illustrated in places such as Arcos de la Frontera, Jerez de la Frontera, San Roque, Setenil de las Bodegas, Sanlúcar de Barrameda and Alcalá del Valle.

Jerez de la Frontera Horse Fair

Held in May this stunning fair features parades of dressage and many other equestrian events as well as beautifully decorated marquees with live flamenco music and dancing. Throughout Autumn there are also Fiestas de Otoño featuring horses.

Corpus Christi in Zahara de la Sierra

Held in June, this lively festival encompasses a flower-garlanded parade with many of the residents.

The Guadalquivir Fair in Sanlúcar

This is a multi-faceted festival held in August with the crowning of a Festival Queen, river crossings, galas, bull fighting and even a literary contest.