The Cordoba Fair is one of the most anticipated events of the year in Andalusia. It attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world seeking to immerse themselves in the rich Andalusian culture and is known for its festive atmosphere, delicious cuisine, exciting attractions and shows, as well as its colorful traditional costumes.
It is a very important celebration in the region and an opportunity to enjoy the unique culture and traditions of this area of Spain . From the traditional carriage rides through the fairgrounds, to flamenco shows, bullfights and live music concerts. There are also attractions for children, booths where you can sing and dance, and a wide variety of stalls where you can buy typical regional products, such as ceramics, sweets, and wine.
This fantastic Cordovan event is fast approaching and with it comes the excitement and enthusiasm to enjoy Andalusian fiestas, gastronomy and folklore. To help you get the most out of your experience at the fair, we have prepared this guide where we explain everything you need to know about this Andalusian festivity.
history and tradition
The Cordoba Fair is one of the most emblematic events in the city and one of the oldest in Spain. Its origin dates back to the 13th century, when after the reconquest, King Sancho IV granted two annual fairs as a privilege to the council of Córdoba in 1284. The idea of these privileges was to support repopulation, commercial activity and fiscal measures that they were inaugurated during the reign of Alfonso X.
Over the centuries, the Cordoba Fair has evolved and adapted to social and cultural changes, but it has always maintained its festive character and its important economic role for the city. Originally, the fair focused on the sale of livestock and agricultural products , but over time it was expanded to include other products and services.
The origin of its official name dates back to 1665, when a farmer who was plowing in some land outside the Seville Gate (where the fair was located at that time) found a well in which there was an image of the Virgin. It was then that people began to believe that its waters were healing and hence the name of the Fair of Our Lady of Health.
Over the years, the place where the fair is held has changed due to the increase in booths, attendees and attractions. In 1820 it was moved from the Puerta de Gallegos to the Jardines de la Victoria . For many years, the fair was on Paseo de la Victoria until 1994, when it was moved to the Arenal Fairgrounds , where it is still held today.
When is the Cordoba Fair in 2023? How many days does it last?
As its name indicates, the Cordoba May Fair takes place the last week of May. This 2023, said festivity is celebrated between May 20 and 27, whose beginning will take place on May 20 at 00:00 with the lighting of the fair’s doorway and the corresponding fireworks show that accompanies the lighting. of lights.
Fairground: Where is the Cordoba Fair held?
As every year, the Fair of Our Lady of Health in Córdoba will take place at the Arenal Fairgrounds, located to the south of the city, on the banks of the Guadalquivir River. This space has numerous booths decorated with flags, lanterns and other typical Andalusian decorations. Each booth has its own music, food and drink, making the fair a very lively and unique experience.
Map and plan of the Fair
Main streets and distribution
At the Córdoba Fair we will have different streets where the different booths and attractions of the fair will be distributed, below is a list of the streets and locations of the booths, there will also be more than 180 stalls and almost fifty attractions.
Alcazar street
- Horse Breeders Association
- Peña Caballista El Bocao
- Mother Bird Association
- Peña Those of Santiago
- Association of Communication, PR and Protocol
- Peña Friends of the Gitanillas
- Brotherhood of the Arrest
- The Lantern Association
- Calerito Club
- New Gate Rock
- Assoc. Cult. Cofrade La Trabajadora
- Brotherhood of Prayer in the Garden
- Friends of Salmorejo and Parsley Association
- The Good Music of Córdoba Association
sliding street
- Brotherhood of the Star
- Peña La Espuela / Cultural Assoc. Friends of the Bougainvillea
- The Always Cultural Association
- ACCD “La Puñetera”
- Association of Jewelers, Silversmiths and Watchmakers San Eloy
- Paco de mi Vida Legacy Cultural Association
- Brotherhood of the Expiration
- Association of Young Entrepreneurs of Andalusia.
- Peña Friends of Ciudad Jardín
- Brotherhood of Good Success
- Assoc. Cult. Córdoba Fire Department
- Brotherhood of the Passion
- Association of Lesbians of Andalusia, ALA COLEGA
Guadalquivir Street
- People’s Party
- CC.OO. (Commissions-Workers)
- Carnival Association of Córdoba
- Assoc. And. Country Dressage and Driving Club
- UGT (General Union of Workers
- PSOE Cordoba
- Provincial Council of Cordoba
- Brotherhood of the Holy Family
- Cordoba Press Association
- Federation of Cordovan Clubs
- Andalusian Communist Party
Jewish Street
- PTV Workers Association
- ASNANET (National Association of Network Workers)
- Brotherhood of the Captive
- The Menit
- ASPA (Andalusian Association for Solidarity and Peace)
- Celiac Association of Córdoba
- ALME
- Brotherhoods of Labor
- House of the Valley of the Pedroches
- Royal Circle of Friendship
Patios Street
- El Picaero Association – Come back tomorrow
- Peña Friend of the Matildes
- The Wooden Castanets Association
- Association of Young Lawyers
- Fifth Mercedarian Anguish Brotherhood
- ALCER Cordoba
- Brotherhood of Mercy
- Friends of Gazpacho Association
- Los Quintos Cultural Association
- Rafael Alvarez Bernal “El Portón”
- Romani Association of Córdoba
- Cultural Association El Burladero
Mosque Street
- Peña to my Moriles
- Association of Fraternities and Fraternities
- House of Galicia in Cordoba
- Lagarillo Rock
- Peña The Intimates of Escalante
Roman Bridge Street
- Brotherhood of Christ of Grace
- Renfe Cultural, Sports and Recreation Center
- Peña Friends of Bar Plaza
- COTTO Cultural Association
- House of Seville in Cordoba
- Association Friends of the UCO
- Bullfighting Club Ignacio González
- Brotherhood of the Descent
Tendillas Street
- Brotherhood of the Holy Sepulcher
- Vera-Cruz Brotherhood
- Salsaya Cultural Association
- Tentadero de Copas, SL
- Brotherhood of the Holy Supper
- Pena Los Forofos of Córdoba CF
- Brotherhood of Mercy
- AJE Cordoba
- Regional House of Castilla-La Mancha
- Brotherhood of Hope
- Group of companies El Corte Inglés
- La Quadra Cultural Association
Street Christ of the Lanterns
- Cosmos Workers
Medina Azahara Street
- Municipal Booth
- horse corner
How many booths are there at the Cordoba Fair?
At the Nuestra Señora de la Salud Fair, 87 booths from various organizations, clubs, associations have been installed at the El Arenal fairgrounds. This number also includes a Municipal Booth and the Rincón del Caballo .
The most festive booths will stay open until 5 in the morning , and some may stay open even later, until 6 in the morning. At 6 pm on Sunday May 28 , all booths will close
The increase in the cost of setting up the stalls has meant that this year there are fewer stalls than usual , but the festive atmosphere remains . The City Council has given the go-ahead to all stalls, making sure they have adequate ventilation or an open space such as a patio. As usual, this year there will also be booths of all genres : from classical and flamenco numbers to Latin rhythms and current melodies.
At the same time, some stalls host Zumba classes, folk dances, and a variety of community dances throughout the day. In addition, you should not miss the concerts that are held in the Municipal Booth ; with more than 13 concerts and 35 free activities organized by the City Council in this venue.
Parking options (Parking)
The Traffic Plan continues to allow private vehicles to park on the right hand side of the Autovía de Andalucía in the direction of Madrid , despite the recommendation to use public transport. You can access this car park through a branch from the exit lane of the highway in the direction of Mercacórdoba . To get out, drivers can take a lane that connects this car park with Camino de la Barca , which then ends at Avda. de las Lonjas and a service road parallel to the highway.
People with reduced mobility will be able to park on the esplanade of the Ciudad del Venante and in an area of the general car park on the Camino de la Barca . In addition, there will be a special and free guarded parking for two-wheeled vehicles , such as electric scooters, next to the Enrique Puga stadium, on Compositor Rafael Castro street.
Cover, Lighting and Fireworks
Cover Description
The cover of the Cordoba Fair is the star of the show every May on social networks. It has kept the same design for years and its signature look is an iconic representation of the city , evoking memories of the Mosque-Cathedral .
The portal is designed in the Neo-Mudéjar style , with influences from Andalusian and Moorish architecture . It is an impressive and decorative structure , which includes arches, towers, domes and ornamental elements. It is usually decorated with floral and geometric motifs in vivid and bright tones, typical of Andalusian culture. The portal of the Córdoba Fair is an impressive and elaborate structure that represents the main entrance to the fairgrounds and is one of the most emblematic elements of the fair .
How big is the cover of the Cordoba Fair?
The structure is 73 meters long and reaches a maximum height of 43 meters . Construction began in March and has recently been completed. The design consists of three sections that form a tower that resembles the Cathedral . Its sides resemble the north and south walls of the Mosque, reproducing its traditional semicircular arches.
When are the fireworks of the Cordoba Fair?
At midnight on Sunday, May 21 , the entire Córdoba Fair will be illuminated with a spectacular display of lights . This display, made up of almost low-consumption light points 60,000 of which will illuminate the portal, will be preceded by the traditional fireworks display .
The honor of pressing the button to illuminate the entire venue will go to the guitarist Merengue de Córdoba and the bailaora Concha Calero . After this act, the booths will open and the concerts will begin , giving way to a night of pure partying and joy for all those attending the Cordoba Fair.
In total, the fairgrounds will be adorned with 264 arches , 100 projectors , a portico and 72 motifs . In addition, a roof equipped with 11,000 LED lights will project its glow over the fairway access bridge and 3,750 lanterns will illuminate the Paseo de Caballos while almost two kilometers of streamers adorn it.
Where to see the fireworks of the Cordoba Fair?
What are the perfect places not to miss the detailed lighting and fireworks spectacle? We recommend the 5 best in all of Córdoba
- At the foot of the cover : This area is located at the main entrance of the Fair , just below the Cover. From here, you can enjoy a view of the illuminated Portada, which is one of the most emblematic attractions of the Fair . It is a very popular place to take pictures and enjoy the festive atmosphere of the Fair. You can also taste some of the delicious tapas and drinks typical of the region that are offered in the nearby booths.
- Balcones de la Ribera : These balconies are located on the banks of the Guadalquivir river , in the area of the Puente Romano, and offer spectacular views of the Portada de la Feria and the illuminated city . Many of these balconies are private, but some are open to the public during the Fair and can be rented to enjoy the views and fireworks in a more exclusive atmosphere .
- Osario Romano Viewpoint : This viewpoint is located in the Alcázar Viejo neighborhood , near the Torre de la Calahorra. From there you can admire the lights and colors of the Fair, as well as the panoramic views of the city . In addition, this viewpoint is a historical place , since it was built on the remains of a Roman ossuary dating from the 1st century BC.
- Mirador del Parque de la Asomadilla : This park is located in the extreme north of the city , in an elevated area that offers panoramic views of the city and the Portada de la Feria. It is a less crowded place than other popular areas , making it a good option for those looking for a quieter environment to enjoy the light show and fireworks .
Torre de la Barca area : This area is located at the southern end of the Fair , near the Guadalquivir river and the Torre de la Barca. From here you can see the lights and colors of the Fair , as well as the fireworks , in a less crowded environment than other popular areas. It is an ideal place for those looking for a more relaxed and less crowded experience during the Fair .
How to dress at the Cordoba Fair?
As for men, the Cordovan suit is the most representative clothing of this festivity. This costume consists of long pants, a white shirt , a sash , a country jacket, and a Cordovan hat . Good shoes according to the suit and long socks are a good option to complement the outfit.
On the other hand, for women, the flamenco dress is the most common and popular dress for the Córdoba Fair.
It is worth mentioning that although the Cordovan suit is seen less and less, it is still a highly recommended option for women. This suit is characterized by its blouse with puffed sleeves, a black or red jacket, a long, straight skirt with pleats, the sash and the hat with the rose or the hair collected in a bow. If you don’t feel like dressing in the gypsy costume, and you have the option of dressing in the Cordovan costume , do not hesitate to do so, it is the ideal moment.
It is important to take into account that, as a general rule, the Cordoba May Fair has a more informal touch in terms of clothing compared to other Andalusian fairs. This means that it is not uncommon to see people dressed in “common” clothing instead of traditional costumes. So, if you don’t have a flamenco dress or a Cordovan dress, don’t worry.
The fundamental thing is comfort and freshness , since the heat in Córdoba at the end of May can be quite pressing. Therefore, it is advisable to dress in light and fresh clothing that allows you to enjoy the party without feeling uncomfortable.
Food and drink
What is the typical food and drink at the Córdoba fair?
The typical dishes that you will find at the fair are salmorejo , a refreshing and delicious dish that is prepared with tomato, bread, garlic and olive oil. Flamenquín is also very popular , a meat roll stuffed with serrano ham and cheese that is breaded and fried.
Another dish is fried peppers , which are prepared with piquillo peppers and fried with olive oil and salt. These dishes are a true delight and are the typical food of the Córdoba Fair.
As for drinks, good Montilla-Moriles wine is a classic that cannot be missing at the Fair. This wine is consumed on its own or in a rebujito , also called embrujito mixture with Montilla-Moriles wine is known in Córdoba , with the peculiarity that it is poured from the tap like beer, something that is rarely seen. It is also very common to drink beer throughout the fair, especially C ruzcampo .
Poster and Programming of the Cordoba Fair
There are only a few weeks left before the long-awaited fair of Our Lady of Health , or also conicity like the May fair in Córdoba . To this day, we can already see the poster of the fair , this year a little girl dressed as a gypsy in a Cordoba patio has been chosen, announcing the long-awaited event.
What can I see and do during the May Fair? What concerts are there?
During these fair days, you can enjoy a wide variety of activities and events that you cannot miss. Most of the booths will be open throughout the day and you will have the opportunity to enjoy attractions , known as “cacharritos”.
The municipal booth will open its doors on May 19 at 10:00 p.m. and you will have the opportunity to attend concerts throughout the week. On May 20, at 00:00, the lighting show of the cover will take place accompanied by fireworks . Also that same day, you will be able to admire an exhibition of traditional carriages at 12:00 noon and from 2:00 p.m. there will be acts in honor of the patron saint of the fair, the Virgin of Health .
On the night of Saturday the 20th , you can enjoy the music of La Húngara and Cal y Canto in the municipal booth at 00:00. On Sunday 21, the jury will visit the booths for the booth contest and the rociero choirs throughout the day in the municipal booth. Also at 9:30 p.m. Duo Bachata .
On Monday the 22nd , the dance academies of Jorge del Pino and Antonio Alcaráz will perform at the municipal booth from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., and at 9:30 p.m. you can enjoy Duo Jalisco . On Tuesday the 23rd, you will enjoy Katy Reyes, Paqui Macías and Flores e Hija dance academies from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., followed by music by Dj Espy and Duo Coplas de Siempre at 9:30 p.m. In addition, at 10:30 p.m., there will be a Flamenco Evening .
On Wednesday the 24th , you can enjoy La Raíz de la Fiesta at 2:30 p.m., followed by the Grupo Conexión at 4:00 p.m. At 8:30 p.m., you can attend the XXVII El Moño Cordobés Artisan Hairdressing Workshop and at 10:00 p.m., the concert by the Son de Caña Orchestra . Also at 23:00, Not only Abba will perform on stage.
On Thursday the 25th , the Rociero Camino del Arenal parade will depart from the Torre de Calahorra to the Fairgrounds at 12:00. choir meeting will take place in the municipal booth. This day is also known as the Day of the Horse , and the horsemen will ride from the gardens of La Victoria to the Arenal at 2:00 p.m. In addition, at 4:00 p.m. the horse riding contest will begin and two concerts will be organized in the municipal booth, Five Bom and Rockpop at 10:00 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. respectively.
On Friday , May 26, we will have three concerts : Gold and Silver at 2:00 p.m., Guaraná at 9:00 p.m. and Mozárabe Rock Andaluz at 11:00 p.m.
On Saturday , May 27, starting at 3:00 p.m., you can enjoy a horse exhibition , a show that will not leave you indifferent. At night, there will be several concerts , at 10:30 p.m. the Channel orchestra and at 12:00 a.m. Don’t tread on me, I’m wearing flip-flops . Also, if you are a fan of bullfighting , you are in luck! During every day of the fair, you can enjoy exciting bullfights.
If during your visit to the fair you have time for sightseeing , do not hesitate to discover the historical places of the city of Córdoba. The Mosque, the Medina Azahara or the Jewish Quarter are just some of the essential sites that you must visit. In the Mosque you can admire its impressive architecture and learn more about the history of this city, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO . The Medina Azahara, for its part, is an old palatial city located on the outskirts of Córdoba that will transport you to the 10th century. And in the Jewish quarter you can stroll through its narrow streets and discover its cultural and historical heritage. In short, Córdoba has a lot to offer beyond the fair!
The Cordoba Fair 2023: an unforgettable experience that you will not want to miss
In conclusion, the Cordoba Fair is one of the most emblematic festivals in Spain and a unique experience that you cannot miss. To get the most out of your visit, it’s important to plan ahead , research attractions, and the itinerary of concerts and activities you want to experience.
Some tips to make the most of the experience are: wear comfortable clothing appropriate to the weather, bring enough cash and reserve accommodation in advance if you plan to stay for several days (something highly recommended to be able to better explore everything that this festivity offers us). Keep in mind that parking is usually limited so the use of public transport is recommended. Finally, don’t forget to have fun in the booths and enjoy Andalusian gastronomy.
By following these tips and with good planning, you will undoubtedly enjoy the Córdoba de Mayo Fair to the fullest and you will be able to take unforgettable moments and memories with you for a lifetime.
