The 2026 Autumn and Horse Fair in Huelva has been officially inaugurated, with Beas recognised as the honoured municipality. This year's fair has seen a new layout that expands the celebration into the Muelle de Levante area, accommodating the growing participation of locals while preserving green spaces in the Alcalde Juan Ceada Infantes Park.
The fair will continue until Sunday, 11 October, offering a mix of equestrian activities, booths, music, and entertainment suitable for all audiences. Huelva's mayor, Pilar Miranda, expressed her excitement during the inauguration, stating, "After all the hard work, preparations, and enthusiasm, we can say that the 2026 Autumn and Horse Fair is officially open." She extended her gratitude to the Huelva Ecuestre Association and its president, Ana Tejero, for their collaboration with the city council in making the fair a success.
Miranda highlighted the fair's growth, attributing it to the desires of the local community. She noted the positive impact on various sectors, including fashion, flamenco crafts, hospitality, small businesses, decoration, catering, and transport. "Behind every booth, every show, and every activity are countless hours of work," she added, thanking municipal workers, booth owners, hospitality professionals, and artists for their contributions.
Celebrating local identity
Loles López, the regional councillor for Social Services, Families, and Equality, emphasised the fair's essence as a reflection of Huelva's identity, combining innovation, gastronomy, music, and art with the traditions of the equestrian world. She remarked that the event showcases the cultural heritage of Huelva, projecting its richness throughout the province and Andalusia.
Gracia María Baquero, the cultural deputy, described the fair as a source of pride, highlighting the collective effort that makes it possible. Alfonso Peña, director of the Port Authority of Huelva, noted the fair's role in integrating the port with the city, emphasising the importance of this year's expansion into port areas.
José Leñero, the mayor of Beas, expressed his honour at being the featured municipality, highlighting Beas's deep equestrian traditions. For the first time, Beas has a public municipal booth near the equestrian arena, featuring its own musical programme and special transport arrangements for Beas residents attending the fair.
Art and tradition
Ana Tejero, president of the Huelva Ecuestre Association, thanked the city council, provincial government, and port authority for their support in organising the fair. She underscored the significance of Beas as the honoured municipality, stating, "Beas is a town with a rich tradition that is part of our province's culture and roots."
The inauguration featured the traditional handover of the fair's key, with Milagros Rodríguez, the mayor of Palos de la Frontera, presenting it to Leñero, symbolising the transition of honour from last year's municipality. The fair's poster for 2026, created by local artist Jesús García Osorno, was also unveiled, showcasing an equestrian theme intertwined with autumnal elements.
Expanded activities and safety measures
This year's fair has been restructured to accommodate its growth while minimising the impact on local green spaces. The central equestrian exhibition area has moved to the Muelle de Levante, with a new street of booths added along Avenida de Hispanoamérica. A total of 51 traditional booths will be available, alongside those from the Huelva Ecuestre Association and various local organisations.
The equestrian programme will kick off with a horse and carriage parade, followed by a traditional display of Beas's equestrian skills. The fair will also feature a variety of musical performances across several booths, ensuring an inclusive atmosphere for all attendees.
To ensure safety, a special emergency and security plan has been implemented, coordinated through CECOPAL, located within the Alcalde Juan Ceada Infantes Park. The plan considers the new layout and activities at Muelle de Levante, with restrictions on horse and carriage movement to enhance visitor safety.
The city council urges attendees to follow safety guidelines, respect pedestrian pathways, and keep children supervised. The Autumn and Horse Fair in Huelva will remain open until 11 October, celebrating tradition, equestrian culture, music, and community engagement.
