Feria
by blint
Ferias are festivals that are held all over the region. The women get dressed up in frilly Flamenco or gypsy dresses and the lads in traditional horse riders costumes and they go ans dance Sevillanas and drink until the can't stand up. For the youngster's there are fair ground attractions.
Every town has it's own dedication, for example El Puerto's is Fino wine and here in Jerez it is horses.
This means apart from the drinking, dancing and fair ground rides you will also see horse upon horse being ridden down the make shift paths between the erected beer tents. and you will also see horses pulling carriages of brightly coloured women and children.
The Feria in Jerez isusually about two weeks after that of Sevilla's April feria. This means that it is usually in April or the beginning of May. The date changes every year depending on Easter.
In Sevilla you have to be connected to get into most of the Casetas (beer tents) here you do not, and can enter any tent for free.
Feria usually lasts about 5 days and if you are going to be in the area in April or May you MUST check up on when Feria is because you really shouldn't miss out on this great colourful cultural event.
The starting order for the ferias goes Sevilla, El Puerto, Jerez. Other local towns may not have their feria til June (Puerto Real), July (San Fernando) or September( Arcos). Cadiz doesn't have a feria instead it has Carnaval in February.
IN 2008 THE FERIA DEL CABALLO WILL BE HELD FROM 27TH APRIL UNTIL 4TH MAY.
not as good as its reputation...
by marktynernyc about Bar Juanito
Disappointing - the most expensive tapas (4.80E - I think, still looking for the receipt) while in Jerez and nothing memorable. My hotel mentioned that "...most of the food is precooked, which is fine when they are busy and not so good when they are not."
Sherry Bodega of Gonzalez Byass
by JanPeter74
When in Jerez, you should definitely visit one of the sherry bodegas. We visited Gonzalez Byass, which was a great experience. Some of the bodegas can only be visited with an appointment. For this one, you can simply buy a ticket at the entrance. Of course it is a bit touristy, but nevertheless great fun. Especially when you are lucky and have the sightseeing tour with only a few fellow tourists.
The tourist office in the centre of Jerez provides all necessary information on bodegas and how to visit them.
Ice Skating in Jerez????????
by blint
This December (2007) in Plaza Arenal I came across this unusual site for the South of Spain: ICE SKATING. Well It wasn't really ice skating as there was no ice and it would be impossible to keep ice frozen here even in December. What it was, instead was large slippery floor tiles that people slid on skates which looked like ice skates, but I doubt they are as sharp.
The Jerezano's seemed to be enjoying this taste of real winter anyway, as it never snows here and never gets below zero during the day therefore Christmas isn't so Christamasy normally.
Palace of Time or Clock Museum
by elucas
The Palace of Time is a collection of over 300 clocks and watches from 17 - 19th centuries. There are clocks of many styles and types from France, England, Austria and Italy and they are all in working order.
The collection was the prized possession of a rich wine merchant and is beautifully displayed. As you would expect with such a valuable collection, security is tight.
In addition, there are some excellent special effects and some very clever life-sized holograms which make a very modern display.
It was a worthwhile visit and if you are especialy interested in horology you would cross continents to see this.
Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 10.00-2.00 and 5.00-6.00pm. Sun: 10.00-2.00pm.
Entry: 5.10 euros each.
(Our visit was in 2003 so it would be worth checking the website for times and prices).
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La Ina
Real Fernando
Gonzales Byass, the barrels, Spain
having a bite and a drink in one of the casetas
