Caravaca The Wine Horses.

May 2, a lovely pre-summer day. Caravaca was packed to capacity for the annual Wine Horses race. For those who don´t know:

During the period when the Christians and the Moors were battling for control of southern Spain, Caravaca was under siege. The beleagured Christians had no more water left and men and horses were sent out to find supplies. No water could be found but plenty of wine was available and they raced back through enemy lines to reach the safety of Caravaca.The re-enactment of this event takes place annually when beautifully decorated horses, each accompanied by four men running alongside them, are raced up the final slope leading to the church at the top of the battlements in Caravaca. Sixty horses race up the slope one after another and are timed and prizes are given for the fastest and the most beautifully decorated.
Before the race,the Moorish and the Christian Kings and Queens parade through the towns with their followers and make their way up to the church, where a ceremony takes place.

The town was bursting at its seams with thousands of Spaniards as well as tourists and ex-pats and everyone was in a very happy mood. No bad temper, violence or drunkenness to be seen anywhere. A terrific day out and a spectacular event. Highly recommended!!