Read on to discover our round-up of what to do at the Feria de San Fernando in Cáceres.

If there is a time of the year the residents of Cáceres are eager for, it is without a doubt the end of May. This is when the grand, annual agricultural fair is held – Feria de San Fernando. The fairgrounds and a large part of the city becoming a buzzing playground filled with a wide selection of food and drink stands, craft stands, live concerts, and attractions for the young and old. People flock from all over the province to take part in this sizzling, open-air party.

The official kick-off to the fair is a distinctive marker used to indicate the very important pre-fair and the post-fair celebrations held three to four days before and after the opening and closing ceremonies. This is just the perfect excuse to keep the good times rolling in a country that invented fiesta.

If you are looking for a unique weekend getaway with friends to Cáceres, come discover the unrelenting energy of Feria de San Fernando.

The origins of Feria de San Fernando of Cáceres

This is probably one of the few Spanish celebrations that does not stem from religious observances. The Feria de San Fernando of Cáceres was first held in 1846, following the petition of several livestock farmers who wanted their own place of business. The naming of the fair was an absolute fluke; it just so happened that the date picked fell on San Fernando, and not because Cáceres had any special affiliation to this saint. In fact, Cáceres doesn’t even have a single church or chapel consecrated to San Fernando.

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In the early years, bullfighting was the fair’s most important event and it even became an absolute must in the bullfighting circuit, attracting some of the most distinguished bullfighters of the time, including Manolete, considered to be the greatest bullfighter of all times.

In addition to bullfights, fairgoers enjoyed variety shows and revues which were highly popular in the 19^th and 20^th centuries.

The fair also attracted foreigners, most notably the Germans who, during World War II, came to Cáceres to exploit the wolfram deposits needed to manufacture armaments. During their time in the city, they attended bullfights, savoured local cuisine and partook in the number of local festivities and celebrations. The city prospered which helped improve the infrastructure and activities of the fair, and little by little the fair became what it is today.

The pre-fair and the actual fair

Fuego artificiales para dar comienzo a la feria

The four days leading to the official kick-off of the fair is known to locals as the Pre-fair and it has gained so much traction over the years that is has earned itself a spot in the official programme. Live music concerts, food and drink stands, sports competitions and equestrian events (show jumping) provide a line-up of activities to warm everyone up for the actual fair. There is even a ‘Children’s Day’ where rides are cheaper than the other days.

The official kick-off to the fair takes place at 11 p.m. with an awe-inspiring fireworks show and the lighting of the Ferris wheel – all 35,000 bulbs. This marks the beginning of the fair, filled with song, dance and entertainment for everyone one.

Since 2019, the fair has also taken on social commitments through its inclusive fair initiative. This initiative seeks to raise awareness about autism spectre. On this day, the music played at all the attractions is the same and the volume is well-balanced. There are also several noise-free hours scheduled on two of the fair days.

The fairgrounds and other fun-filled places in Cáceres

Even though you can feel the electricity of the fair throughout the city, here is a round-up of the top areas where you can really have some fun.

The fairgrounds

Take a 10-minute car ride or a 45-minute walk along the Mérida-Badajoz motorway to reach the fairgrounds. This is where you need to be to catch the main events of the fair.

Come discover hundreds of food and drink stands and rides, including a horse arena where you can watch show jumping, live concerts and other events. It’s an absolute feast for the senses and all at affordable prices.

El paseo de Cánovas

This park was built in the 19^th century and is one of the city’s main nerve centres. Paseo de Cánovas the Old Town with the New Town. It is also a popular launch pad for locals to rendez-vous or to enjoy a leisurely stroll along the promenade.

During the fair, the promenade is lined with a wide selection of artisan stands, offering local handmade products and food. This a great place to pick up local products such as Pimentón de la Vera (paprika from the town of La Vera) and the delightfully creamy local cheese, Torta del Casar. You can also pick up lovely pieces of jewellery and home decoration to add a unique touch to your style and home.

Paseo de Cánovas isn’t just about shopping; families and groups of friends gather here to enjoy puppet shows, live bands and many other activities scheduled throughout the fair.

The Old Town of Cáceres

During the fair, the town centre and the Old Town of Cáceres are even busier than usual as groups of people, young and old, gather at midday on what has been dubbed as the ‘Day Fair’ to enjoy cañas and local delicacies. This is just the starting point for what goes on until the wee hours.

Head to the bustling neighbourhoods of San Pedro de Alcántara, Moret Los Obispos to discover what the restaurants and bars have up their sleeves during the fair. Tapa-hop from eatery to eatery as you discover the region’s superb wines or sip on cold beer and munch on free tapas, vote on the best tapas or sit down for a full course meal carefully designed in honour of the fair.

No matter where you find yourself in the city during the fair, you are in for an electrifying time.

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