The Patios de Córdoba festival is one of the most original of all that is held annually in Spanish territory. Intimately linked to spring, when the vegetation reaches its maximum fullness, it has been declared of National Tourist Interest.
As if that were not enough, in 2012 it also received the distinction of Intangible Heritage of Humanity in the field of culture by UNESCO. And it is that it constitutes a whole exaltation of natural beauty. If you want to know more about the Patios de Cordova, we invite you to continue reading.
A little history of the Patios de Córdoba festival
This festival has its origin in the idiosyncrasy of typical Cordovan houses. The magnificent climate of the area led Romans first and Muslims later to build their homes around a central courtyard where they made most of their home life.
However, the first edition of this festival took place in 1921. It was not repeated until six years later, but it began to become popular in 1933, when sixteen courtyards entered the competition.
Interrupted by the Civil War, it was retaken in 1944. From then on, the value of the awards increased, while new evaluation criteria were added such as the variety of flowers and natural lighting.
As we indicated, in 1980 it was declared a Festival of National Tourist Interest and in 2012 Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Currently, the Fiesta de los Patios de Córdoba is one of the most popular in all of Andalusia and brings together more than a million visitors eager to enjoy the floral beauty of the patios.
Cordoba patio with floral decoration
What is?
As its name suggests, the Fiesta de los Patios de Córdoba is a flower contest. The central spaces of the historic houses are adorned with spectacular vegetable decorations Of great beauty. Vines, flower pots and many other ornaments make up beautiful ornamental ensembles based on nature.
The main neighborhoods where you can visit these patios are those of Old Alcazar, which is located precisely between the Alcázar and the church of San Basilio; from Santa Marina, around the Magdalena and San Lorenzo; of the Mosque; of the Jewry, which is one of the oldest, and that of the Viana palace. The latter deserves a separate mention, since only in the palace itself are twelve different courtyards, each one decorated with its own floral style.
On the other hand, there are two kinds of patios. Some are more luxurious, belong to single family houses and they usually have a cloister and paved or slab mosaic floors. As for the others, they are in houses of several neighbors and normally on two floors that have balconies to the patios themselves. This last feature allows you to decorate them more taking advantage of those spaces.
In relation to the above, you should know that the inhabitants of the dwellings themselves participate in the contest. They are the ones who are in charge of decorating their patios. There are two categories: traditional courtyards and of modern construction yard. But they can also register outside of the contest, simply to show their beauty to the public that attends the event.
The success of the Patios de Córdoba festival among the city's inhabitants will give you an idea of the fact that around fifty homes usually enter the competition. To these are usually added another ten or twelve who do not participate in the competition.
Patio decked out for the party
When is the Fiesta de los Patios de Córdoba celebrated?
As we have told you, this holiday is eminently springtime. However, the last edition was held in the fall. The Covid-19 pandemic forced it to be postponed until October, specifically between the 8th and 18th of that month. However, if there is no news, you will be able to enjoy the 2021 edition next may. And the dates provided within it are from the 3rd to the 16th.
Do you have to pay entry?
To enjoy the plant beauty of the patios of Córdoba, you don't have to pay an entrance fee. Visits are Returns, since the interest of the participants is to win the contest, but also to show their ornamental work.
In any case, we advise you to visit them accompanied by a local guide. This will fully inform you of all aspects related to the party and will take you to the most beautiful corners.
Complementary activities
At the same time that the Patios de Córdoba festival is being celebrated, a cycle of folk performances that brings together the best singers or dancers in the area. And tastings of local products are also organized, especially tapas and wine from the designation of origin. Montilla Moriles.
As for the first ones, you can taste a tasty gazpacho, but also an exquisite gazpacho, One crumbs or a plate of ram. The latter is a stew of potatoes with fried garlic and slices of bread that is usually accompanied by equally fried eggs.
And to finish your tasting of typical Córdoba gastronomy, you can enjoy some fried flowers, which by name are very appropriate for the party in question. However, it is about wheat flour, egg and anise cookies. Or you can also choose the cordovan cake, which is made with angel hair and puff pastry.
Patio participating in the contest
How to get to Córdoba?
If you want to enjoy the Patios de Córdoba festival, you need to know how to get to the so-called Caliphal City. One of the best ways to do this is by ferrocarril. Córdoba has high speed line that connects it by train with Madrid, Barcelona and other Andalusian towns such as Seville, Granada or Malaga.
Regarding the trip by road, You are interested to know that, if you arrive from Madrid or Seville, the main road is the Southern Highway A-4. However, if you do it from the Levantine area, for example from Valencia, the proper path consists of the A-3, the A-43 and the A-4 itself. Finally, if you are traveling from the west, the best road is the National 432.
In conclusion, the Feast of the Patios of Córdoba it is an explosion of natural beauty. It is wonderful to see the different spaces adorned with flowers and other plant ornaments. If you travel to the Andalusian city to enjoy it, you will not regret it.