Caravaca Running Of The Horses 2nd May 2023

This is one of our most popular fiestas. The running of the Wine Horses in Caravaca is a fun day out with lots going on. 

Of course maybe we need to explain a little about why this event happens every year. We have the well known history of the True Cross and the Caravaca Basilica which sits atop the hill But another important part of Caravaca history that greatly affects Caravaca in the present time was as a result of the wars between the Moors and the Christians.  On this occasion the Moors had the town under siege, but the Christians were holding out , until the water supply in the city became contaminated causing much sickness.  Fortunately for them, the religious and military order of Knights Templar came to the rescue.  They loaded jars of wine on their horses and breaching the Moorish lines, they delivered wine to the city.  It is said that as a result of the wine being blessed, the city made a miraculous recovery.  This led to the present day celebration of the running of the horses.  A very popular fiesta re-enacting the horses of the Knights Templar racing up the castle to rescue the city.  

This event is marked on the 2nd of May each year and when we first arrive you will see the parade has already started and the groups (or peñas) are parading through the streets with their horse.  The horse is dressed in a beautiful hand embroidered cloak which takes many hours of delicate labour to complete. 

Later in the day the horse will then take part in the race up to the castle.  The race is a speed trial and naturally the fastest horse to the top wins the honour. 4 members of each peña hold onto the horse and race with it up to the top. The most important stipulation is that all four members of the group must still be holding on to the horse when it reaches the finish line otherwise they will be disqualified.  What blocks their path are the hundreds of spectators who, at the last minute must get out of the horses path.

Usual Programme of events – But this is always subject to change by the event organisers

9:30 – Parade through town of peñas and horses.

11:45 – A band of Christians set off round the town.

13:15 – The prayers of the wine and flowers

14:00 – The running of the wine horses.  This part is very busy so if you wish to see it head up early to the castle in order to get a good spot.  Remember to watch where you station yourself as you could potentially get trampled by a horse.  If you find it´s too busy then there are usually big screens in the town hall and in some of the larger restaurants

If the trip shows as no availability please call us on 966 785 910 as there may be some remaining seats available