San Pedro del Pinatar celebrates history and equestrian passion at one of Spain’s oldest livestock fairs

At the tail end of June, San Pedro del Pinatar celebrated one of its most emblematic and historically significant days during its annual Patron Saint festivities, this time revolving around a love for horses and a passion for equestrian culture. The grand opening of the CCXXVIII Royal Livestock Fair, or Real Feria de Ganado, one of the oldest livestock gatherings in Spain, has returned, bringing with it an annual meeting point for professional livestock farmers and breeders across Murcia and the whole of the south-east.

Tradition, History, and Equestrian Passion in San Pedro del Pinatar

This celebration, which took place on Friday, June 26 and blended centuries-old rural heritage and modern equestrianism, drew participants from all across the country, especially from Murcia, Alicante, and Almeria. Throughout the morning, the fairgrounds buzzed with activity as locals and visitors gathered to admire an impressive display of animals, including exceptional specimens of horses, oxen, and donkeys.

The event also paid tribute to a local talent and animal lover, veterinarian Martín Alcázar Cuadrado, who has been the official veterinarian of the event for an incredible 25 years. His quarter century of dedication has been instrumental in ensuring the safety of the animals, as well as the enforcement of the health regulations, and the growth of the prestige of this local institution.

A colourful carriage parade to the beach

After the showcase, the festivities moved from the agricultural tradition to an artistic display, with the 31st edition of the Villa de San Pedro Carriage Meeting, a vibrant and colourful equestrian parade. Elegant caleshes and historic carriages departed from the fairgrounds, weaving through the town until they reached the scenic shores of the Villananitos beach on the Mar Menor. The courts of honour and the festival queens, dressed in traditional pilgrim costumes, rode alongside horsemen and passionate locals, creating a striking spectacle that perfectly captured the region’s cultural identity and equestrian heart.

San Pedro del Pinatar now looks forward to the end of its Patron Saint festivities, including a major highlight of the event, the traditional Offering of Fruits to the Patron Saint, taking place on Sunday, June 28, in honour of Saint Peter.