La Saca de las Yeguas is a centuries-old traditional event dating back more than 500 years, highlighted as a tourist attraction held in the Spanish municipality of Almonte, just under an hour from the city of Seville, coinciding with the San Pedro fair, its patron saint festivities and the old livestock fair.
At Kukutana, we tell you everything you need to know so that you don’t miss a single detail of this unique experience in Andalusia.
What is the Saca de las Yeguas?
Tradition, culture and a passion for horses come together in this unmissable event. A truly natural, wild and equestrian spectacle, bringing together livestock farmers from different parts of the region with more than a thousand mares and foals that have been living freely in the marshes of Doñana National Park.
You will be amazed to see the procession of horse-drawn carriages and brotherhoods, just like in a real Western film.
How is it celebrated?
The event begins when the farmers, known as ‘yagüerizos’, gather the mares and foals scattered across the countryside. They carefully lead them along rural roads until they reach the Hermitage of the Virgin of Rocío, where the local parish priest blesses them.
The group then continues on its way to Almonte, where the mares and foals are branded and prepared for the livestock fair. The journey ends at the ‘Huerta La Cañada’ livestock enclosure, where the traditional livestock fair takes place.
This pilgrimage to El Rocío attracts hundreds of visitors every year, creating a unique atmosphere full of dust, heat and excitement!
History of Saca de las Yeguas
For centuries, the Saca de las Yeguas has been an emblematic tradition in Almonte, officially regulated in 1504 by the Ordinance of the Duke of Medina Sidonia.
¿Cuál es la razón de dicho acontecimiento? La celebración de una feria de ganado por San Pedro y la trilla, donde las yeguas funcionaban de molinos para sacar el grano.
Con respecto a las razas del caballo marismeño, son feminizados y pasan a denominarse yegua marismeña, un ejemplar único y raza autóctona de la zona.
When is the Saca de las Yeguas?
Following the Virgen del Rocío pilgrimage in May, the Saca de las Yeguas is a very important event held every year in June, specifically on the 26th, coinciding with the Feria de San Pedro, patron saint of Almonte.
Now that you know when the Saca de las Yeguas takes place, don’t forget to mark this date in your calendar!
What time is the Saca de las Yeguas?
On 26 June at 10:00 a.m., the traditional blessing of the Marismeña mares will take place in front of the Ermita de la Virgen del Rocío chapel. If you plan to arrive by car, please note that parking will be prohibited throughout the entire route taken by the troops from 8:00 a.m. onwards.
At approximately 7:00 p.m., the mares and foals arrive in Almonte after a rest at the Santa María stream. However, schedules may vary, so we recommend that you stay tuned as the date approaches.
When is the Saca de las Yeguas?
As every year, the Saca de las Yeguas coincides with the San Pedro Fair on 26 June. Throughout the day, there are activities for all ages, allowing you to enjoy a unique spectacle with majestic animals in motion.
If you are planning to enjoy this centuries-old tradition, now is the perfect time to plan your trip, taking these tips into account so that you can enjoy the experience to the fullest:
- Arrive early, especially for the blessing of the mares. Hundreds of visitors are expected on this day.
- Enjoy the moment, but also bring your camera so you can capture some of the most special moments.
- Take part in one of the activities on offer to experience it from the inside.
- Book your accommodation in advance to avoid high prices or fully booked properties. And if you want to experience the Saca de las Yeguas like never before, do it with Kukutana! We are a place steeped in culture and tradition, where every moment in our accommodation in Doñana becomes something unique.
A unique experience in Almonte that you cannot miss
La Saca de las Yeguas is one of the most iconic and eagerly awaited festivals in the region, bringing together lovers of equestrian culture, nature and tradition every year in a unique and breathtaking setting: Almonte and the village of El Rocío. A truly spectacular event, packed with activities for all ages, which we highly recommend you experience if you haven’t had the chance yet.
