Festival of the Holy Cross (Wine Horses)

Name: Festival of the Holy Cross (Wine Horses)
Start: 2025-04-30
End: 2025-05-04
Location: Caravaca de la Cruz

Spring in Caravaca de la Cruz, Where History and Wine Gallop Together

2026/04/30 - 2026/05/04

Every spring, the city of Caravaca de la Cruz in southeastern Spain bursts into life for the Festival of the Holy Cross (Wine Horses), filling the streets with vibrant decorations, the thunder of hooves, and the aroma of wine. This unique festival blends medieval legend, faith, and thrilling competition, as horses draped in lavish embroidered mantles dash through the city, showered in wine and cheered on by tens of thousands of spectators. It’s a spring celebration that awakens all five senses—perfect for anyone seeking adrenaline, tradition, and the exuberance of Spain.

Held annually from May 1st to 5th, this UNESCO-recognized event welcomes families, history buffs, thrill-seekers, and wine lovers alike. The highlight is the breathtaking Wine Horses Race on May 2nd, but the week is packed with parades, traditional dances, and regional cuisine. Feel the vibration of hooves, the spray of wine, and the collective excitement that unites the whole city—Caravaca is a must-visit during this festival.

Main Attractions

Wine Horses Race

The main highlight is the “Caballos del Vino” (Wine Horses) race. Horses adorned in magnificent embroidered mantles are led by teams of four young men, charging up the hill to the medieval castle of Caravaca. As the crowd roars and wine is splashed everywhere, the horses become living works of art. The fastest team claims glory, but every horse is celebrated for its beauty and spirit.

Key Events

The festival opens with the “Flower Offering” parade, where participants in traditional dress fill the city with music, folk dances, and the scent of fresh flowers. On May 2nd, the Wine Horses take center stage, followed by the “Moors and Christians” parade—a grand reenactment of medieval battles with elaborate costumes, mock sword fights, and fireworks. At night, concerts, outdoor feasts, and dancing keep the city lively until dawn.

Costumes and Decorations

The horses wear luxurious mantles embroidered with gold thread, sequins, and religious or historical motifs—some weighing up to 40 kg. Their handlers are dressed in wine-colored and white outfits. The city is decorated with flags, flowers, and pennants, while the castle is illuminated to honor the Holy Cross. The feel of velvet and gold thread, and the mingled scents of horses and wine, create an atmosphere that is both grand and rustic.

Traditional Food & Drink

The festival features Murcia’s regional cuisine: hearty stews, charcoal-grilled lamb, “migas” (fried breadcrumbs with sausage and vegetables), and “empanadillas” (savory pastries). Local red wine flows freely, and sweet “torrijas” (Spanish-style French toast) are a must-try. The aroma of fresh bread, roasting meat, and the tang of wine fill the air, adding to the festive spirit.

Cultural and Historical Background

The origins of the Wine Horses Festival date back to the Middle Ages. According to legend, during a Moorish siege in the 13th century, Christian knights broke through enemy lines to bring wine—believed to have healing and miraculous powers—into the castle. The horses, celebrated as heroes for protecting the wine, became symbols of faith, courage, and local pride, and the event evolved into the vibrant festival it is today.

For locals, this festival is a vital expression of history and identity. It is a celebration of faith in the Holy Cross, community unity, and the skill and beauty of both horses and people—passed down through generations.

Participant Voices

I came from Germany just for this festival. The beauty of the horses’ costumes was overwhelming, and the townspeople welcomed me warmly. The scent of wine and the thrill of the race—I’ll never forget it.

Fun Facts

It can take up to a year to complete an embroidered horse mantle, with costs exceeding €10,000.
Over 60 horses and teams participate in the race each year.
Wine is splashed on the horses as a sign of good luck and respect for the legend.