Los Caballos del Vino

Caravaca de la Cruz in Murcia is home to this spectacular equestrian celebration, whose main event is a thrilling horse race up to the castle. The beautifully decorated horses charge through the streets surrounded by thousands of spectators. Since 2020, the festival has been recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The event takes place as part of the Fiestas Mayores of the Santísima y Vera Cruz, held from 1 to 5 May, and involves a large part of the local community. The horses themselves are the stars of the celebration, dressed in elaborate silk and gold coverings that have become one of its most recognisable traditions. They parade through Caravaca de la Cruz fully adorned and accompanied by four handlers each.

The highlight comes on 2 May, when the horses race at full speed towards the castle. Each animal makes its way through the crowds alongside its handlers, creating a spectacular scene watched by thousands of people.

The tradition is linked to an old local legend. According to the story, during a time of scarcity, local men managed to get past enemy defences with a horse carrying wine and raced up to the castle. The festival’s first known references date back to the 17th century.

Its UNESCO recognition in 2020 honours the generations-long preservation and transmission of traditional horse care and handling, as well as the intricate embroidery techniques used to create the horses’ elaborate coverings.