Cordoba Events, Things to Do and Festivals 2014 / 2015
(Cordoba, Andalucia, Spain)
Andalucia - Cordoba included - has what can best be described as a busy calendar of fiestas and ferias. Many events are rooted firmly in religious tradition, while other festivals are very much centred around Spanish music and the arts.
Some are known the world over, whilst others take place in relative obscurity. What they all have in common is their sheer exuberance and vibrancy. May is usually seen as being the height of the fiesta season, when many of the largest events in the city take place.
There are, however, things to do all through the year here in Cordoba, although there is a particularly good choice of cultural offerings during the summer months. The International Film Music Festival in June is followed by the Feria Barriada de El Higuerón each July, the Feria Barriada de Alcolea in August and then the Vela de la Fuensanta every September.
Cordoba Calendar of Festivals and Events 2014 / 2015
January
- La Cabalgate de Reyes Magos - the 'Three Kings Parade' takes place on 5th January each year
- Mercado Medieval - this three-day event is held in late January. Stallholders sell local delicacies and handmade crafts. Juggling, dancing and magic tricks also entertain visitors.
February
- Carnaval en la Calle - held during the second fortnight of February. Singers dress up and parade around the city. Afterwards, a singing competition is held in Cordoba's Grand Theatre. The last day of the carnival consists of a grand parade with floats.
- Cabalgata de Carnaval - a parade that is held each February.
March
- Semana Santa - Holy Week in Cordoba is a solemn occasion. It starts with Palm Sunday and the procession of the Borriquita and ends with the procession of the Risen. Throughout the week, some 35 Brotherhoods parade through the city's streets. The event attracts thousands of tourists each year.
April
- Cata del Vino - a wine tasting like no other. Wine producers gather together in Cordoba to offer a selection of their best wines.
May
- Festival y Concurso de Patios - Cordoba's patios and streets burst into flower. Festivities kick off with a 'Battle of the Flowers'.
- Cruces de Mayo Festival - celebrated by creating large flower-adorned crosses, which are displayed throughout the city. Prizes are awarded for the best crosses.
- Romeria de Linares - a parade of floats that carry pilgrims to the Shrine of our Lady of Linares.
- Feria de Nuestra Senora de la Salud - held at the end of May. This traditional fair, staged on a special site on the outskirts of the city, marks the feast of Our Lady of la Salud. Events include bullfights, live music, flamenco dancing and fireworks.
June
- International Film Music Festival - concert programs feature famous film music. Staged through the province, as well as in Cordoba's Grand Theatre.
- Noche Blanca del Flamenco - the 'White Night of Flamenco' takes place in the city's streets and squares. As well as flamenco displays, there are also poetry, music and drama performances. Expect to be in the company of vast crowds of spectators.
- Festival Internacional de Música Sefardi - set against a backdrop of the Botanical Garden and Cordoba's River Guadalquivir. The programme includes performances by international Sephardic musicians.
July
- Festival de la Guitarra - held during the first two weeks of July each year, this renowned event celebrates guitar music from all over the world. Concerts are staged at venues all over the city and guitar courses are held to encourage others to take up the instrument.
- Feria Barriada de El Higuerón - a fiesta held in the Higuerón district of Cordoba in early July. Throughout the month of July, other similar fiestas are held in Villarrubia, Cerro Muriano and Santa Cruz.
August
- Feria Barriada de Alcolea - a summer fiesta held in the Cordoban district of Alcolea. A similar event takes place in Trassierra. As well as all the traditional fun-of-the-fair activities, there are also sporting contests and family friendly games.
September
- Vela de la Fuensanta - staged at the beginning of September, this fair is held in honour of Our Lady of Fuensanta and is thought to originate in the 18th century. Traditional foods are served, and sports competitions and live performances take place.
- Cosmopoética - poets from around the world gather in Cordoba at the end of September.
October
- African Film Festival - thousands of people come to view films emanating from Africa and the Arab world. In all, film makers from some 32 different countries are represented.
- Festival Internacional de Juegos Córdoba - an unusual festival that is dedicated to the playing of boardgames. Each year, the Board Game of the Year in Spain award is made. Other highlights include the announcement of new games on the market by Spanish and international producers.
November
- Cordoba Magic Festival - held in the city's Teatro Avanti over the course of four days at the beginning of November.
- Concurso Nacional de Arte de Flamenco - started back in 1956, this triennial music contest has become one of Spain's national treasures. Over a hundred performers compete in three sections of the competition - singing, dancing and guitar playing.
December
- Navidad - in Spain, Christmas is not quite so commercialised as elsewhere in Europe. It is usually not until the beginning of December that Cordoba's squares are festooned with Christmas lights and the festivities start in earnest. On 8th December, the Feast of Immaculate Conception marks the beginning of Christian celebrations. On Christmas Day, most Cordoban families enjoy a family meal at home, although gift-swapping is largely saved until the Feast of Epiphany on 6th January.
- Fiesta Fin de Ano - various end-of-year parties take place all over Cordoba.