Jerez de la Frontera lies in a fertile upland region on the southern edge of the Andalusian plain, some 35km/22mi northeast of Cádiz. Important to the economy of the area is the breeding of pedigree horses, particularly the fiery Andalusian breed. Jerez is famous, too, as a center of flamenco dancing
and the cante jondo. All these activities come together in two great annual festivals.
History
The area between Jerez and Cape Trafalgar was the scene of the decisive battle in 711 between Visigoths and Moors which condemned Christian Spain to many Centuries of subjection under alien peoples from the East. Another great battle fought here in 1340 ended in a Christian victory which prevented the last invasion from North Africa. Jerez has borne the style "de la Frontera" ("on the Frontier") - along with other towns on the frontier with the Moorish East - since 1379.
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