Culture in Cordoba's Streets & Squares

festival spain

The patio is an internal courtyard that is part of the typical Andalusian house. It is open and very much part of the family’s social life – a place for entertaining and relaxing. The fact that it is an important part of the architectural structure of the house is that the living rooms and the bedrooms are built around the patio.

The Festival de los Patios, or Patio Festival, is an annual springtime event actively anticipated by Cordoba's residents. They take special care of their patios and groom and decorate them for a special prize. This prize is handed out to the most beautifully kept patio.

The Festival de los Patios is a great opportunity for tourists to truly see one of Cordoba's typical homes. The Tourist Office will provide maps to direct you to the competing patios. However, remember that all the patios are closed from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. for the mid-day meal and "siesta," so be sure to come before or after.

The town squares or plazas are also vital parts of the city. Here, you get to rub elbows with locals and tourists alike as Cordoba celebrates its special events.

Here are just some festivals and events, which are in Cordoba's plazas (squares):

  • Nochevieja (New Year's Eve) celebrations
  • Feria de Cordoba (Cordoba Fair)
  • International Guitar Festival
  • Flamenco performances
  • Medieval market