Caravaca de la Cruz celebrates the Festival of the Holy Cross with the town's infamous race of the "Wine Horses" (caballos de vino). Riderless horses, wearing beautifully embroidered coats, race from the bottom of the town up to the castle.
The horse race takes place on the second day of the five-day fiesta. The caballos are led by a porter on each side, who must run as fast as their legs can carry them, while people line the route and cheer on the competitors. The only wine you are likely to come across, just in case you were wondering, is at Mass earlier in the day.
The tradition dates back to around 1250, when templar knights raced across territory ruled by the Moors to bring wine to those that guarded the relic of the True Cross (Vera Cruz), kept there since 1231.
During the rest of the five-day festival, locals celebrate at special church services, processions and historical re-enactments of the Moors and Christians throughout the town.
The tradition dates back to around 1250, when templar knights raced across territory ruled by the Moors to bring wine to those that guarded the relic of the True Cross (Vera Cruz), kept there since 1231.
During the rest of the five-day festival, locals celebrate at special church services, processions and historical re-enactments of the Moors and Christians throughout the town.
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