The municipality celebrates the Fair from September 24 to 27, with the lighting and the pescaíto dinner on Wednesday, September 23. The Pre-Fair kicks off this Friday with horse ribbon races at the Fairgrounds.
The Los Palacios y Villafranca Fair 2026 is already scheduled: from Thursday 24 to Sunday 27 September. The opening event will be on the night of Wednesday 23 September, with the lighting and the traditional pescaíto dinner. Prior to this, the Municipal Delegation of Tourism and Festivities has organised a Pre-Fair programme featuring music, sports, and tradition.
The horse ribbon races will take place this Friday 18 September at 19:00 hours in the exhibition area of the Fairgrounds. On Sunday 20 September, at the same time and in the same location, it will be the turn of the mule ribbon races. Registrations can be made one hour before the start of each competition.
In both competitions, there are prizes of 300 euros for the first place, 200 for the second, 150 for the third, 100 for the fourth, and 70 euros for the fifth. The top six will receive a trophy. The Caseta La Espuela collaborates in the horse category and the Unión Rociera Triquitraque in the mule category.
On Saturday 19 September, also at 19:00 hours and in the exhibition area, the stone dragging competition with mules will take place, one of the most traditional events of these festivities. The animals must complete a circuit in the shortest time possible while adhering to the regulations.
There will be three categories based on the size of the animal. In large mules, the first prize is 493 euros and four bags of feed; the second, 300 euros and five bags, and the third, 200 euros and five bags. In medium mules, the prizes are 432, 250, and 150 euros, with five bags of feed for each of the top three. In small mules, the amounts are 250, 200, and 120 euros, also with five bags of feed. All winners will receive a trophy.
The competition includes two special recognitions: the Best Pulled Mule, which receives a ham and a trophy, and the Best Equipped Mule and Handler, awarded with a francalete and a trophy. The activity is supported by the Los Tardíos booth, Cereales El Pájaro, Cereales Maestre, Piensos Núñez, Guarnicionería Amodeo, Guarnicionería Núñez, Bar-Cooperativa Ntra. Sra. de las Nieves El Pipa, Virtudes Delgado Hairdressing, Naturgrin, and Tienda Jazmines (La Nana).
The music will arrive on Saturday night with the Concert Fest Pre-Fair, starting at 22:00 hours and lasting until nearly 06:00 hours on Sunday. Performers will include De Cai, Kike & Manu, Radio Macandé, and local artist Rosalinda Galán. The concerts will begin at 23:00 hours and entry is free until capacity is reached.
Sports have also had their place. The VIII 7-a-side Football Tournament among Fair Booths took place last weekend at the Municipal Stadium Marismas with nine teams: Los 90's, Los Tiesos, Vamos al Tajo, 20 D'ENERO, Que Buen Puntito, Los Merengues, En la espera te esquino, No te vayas todavía, and La Gozadera.
Que Buen Puntito was crowned champion and will receive 150 euros and a trophy. The second place went to En la espera te esquino, with 100 euros and a trophy; third place to No te vayas todavía, with 50 euros and a trophy, and fourth place to Los 90's, also with 50 euros and a trophy. The awards ceremony will take place on Thursday 24 September starting at 23:00 hours, during the first day of the Fair.
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