Feria de Córdoba 2026 Guide
Andalusian horses, trajes de flamenca, rebujito cocktails, sevillanas until 6am. Unlike Seville, all 83 of Córdoba's casetas are public and free — no invitation needed.
At a glance
23–30 May (8 days)
1pm–6am daily
El Arenal (Guadalquivir riverbanks)
83 casetas ALL open to the public
100% free
13 special bus lines running 24h
What makes it unique: Unlike Seville where most casetas are private and closed to outsiders, ALL of Córdoba's casetas are public and free to enter. It is the most inclusive fair in Andalusia.
In this guide
Understanding the Feria de Córdoba
The Feria de Nuestra Señora de la Salud (Fair of Our Lady of Health) is Córdoba's great popular festival, traditionally closing out the month of May. For eight days, the fairground district of El Arenal, on the banks of the Guadalquivir, transforms into an ephemeral city of lights, music, and Andalusian tradition.
What makes the Feria de Córdoba unique in Andalusia is its 100% public and free character. Unlike the famous Feria de Abril in Seville where the majority of casetas are private and reserved for members, all 83 of Córdoba's casetas are open to everyone without exception. You can walk in, order a rebujito, dance sevillanas, and share the celebration with the people of Córdoba without an invitation or a pass.
Origins and history
The feria originated as a medieval livestock fair established in 1284 by King Alfonso X the Wise. Initially dedicated to the commercial trade of horses and bulls, it gradually transformed into a popular celebration over the centuries.
In the 19th century, the feria took its modern form with the addition of casetas (festival tents), the equestrian parade, and fairground rides. The official name "Feria de Nuestra Señora de la Salud" refers to a cholera epidemic in 1849, after which the Virgin of Health became the city's protective patron.
Today the feria remains deeply rooted in Córdoba's identity: more than 500,000 visitors attend each year, the majority from Andalusia's neighbouring provinces.
Feria vocabulary
- Caseta
- Festival tent with a bar, dance floor, and social space. Each caseta has its own atmosphere (family-oriented, young crowd, flamenco, wine, etc.).
- Rebujito
- The feria's iconic cocktail: fino wine (dry) mixed with lemonade and ice. This refreshing drink is inseparable from the feria experience.
- Sevillanas
- Traditional Andalusian couples' dances, structured in four verses. Everyone dances, regardless of age.
- Traje de Flamenca
- Traditional Andalusian ruffled dress worn by women. Colourful, fitted, decorated with polka dots or flowers. Essential accessories: shawl, hair flower, earrings.
- Traje Corto
- Traditional male rider's costume: fitted trousers, shirt, short waistcoat, bolero jacket, Córdoban hat. Worn only by horsemen.
- Calle del Infierno
- "Street of Hell" — the fairground rides area (big wheel, rollercoasters, dodgems, shooting galleries). Over 80 attractions for all ages.
- Alumbrado
- The lighting ceremony marking the official opening of the feria on the first evening, around 11pm. A solemn moment followed by fireworks.
2026 day-by-day programme
Friday evening
Alumbrado — The Illumination
The mayor officially lights up the feria from the monumental Portada gateway. Spectacular fireworks over the Guadalquivir. This is the most anticipated moment — the true start of the festivities.
Saturday & Sunday
Paseo de Caballos — Equestrian Parade
Riders in traditional traje corto and amazons in trajes de flamenca parade on pure-bred Andalusian horses. Historic carriages and coaches complete this dazzling spectacle. The iconic photo of the feria.
Wednesday
Día del Niño — Children's Day
All rides on the Calle del Infierno are half price. Guaranteed family atmosphere. The casetas offer activities for younger visitors in the afternoon.
Thursday
Día del Caballo — Equestrian Competition
Official dressage competition and stallion presentation. The finest breeders from Andalusia come to show their best horses. An event for true aficionados.
Final Sunday
Closing Fireworks
Grand final fireworks display launched from Torre de la Calahorra and the Puente Romano. Visible across the El Arenal neighbourhood and the banks of the Guadalquivir.
A typical feria day
The Plaza de la Corredera comes alive during the Feria de Córdoba
The best casetas to visit
Good news: All 83 of Córdoba's casetas are public and free. You can walk into any of them without an invitation. Each caseta has its own identity and atmosphere.
Caseta Municipal
Official public caseta
The largest caseta at the feria, run by the city council. Quality live music programme every evening. Multigenerational crowd. Ideal for your first feria evening.
Casetas de peñas
Local associations
The genuinely authentic casetas run by Córdoba's neighbourhoods and associations. Intense local atmosphere, spontaneous sevillanas, people of Córdoba meeting their childhood friends. All open to the public.
Casetas de bodegas
Wine cellars
Run by Montilla-Moriles bodegas. Tastings of fino, amontillado, and Pedro Ximénez at reasonable prices. The best rebujito at the feria. Often less crowded early in the evening.
Caseta Flamenca
Flamenco specialist
Pure flamenco programme: professional cantaores, guitarists and bailaores. If you love authentic flamenco beyond tourist-oriented sevillanas, this is your spot. Flamenco tardeo from 6pm.
How to choose your caseta
- For a first visit: Start at the Caseta Municipal (large, central, varied programme)
- For local atmosphere: Visit several peña casetas, moving freely between them
- For wine: Montilla-Moriles bodega casetas (tastings, winemaker advice)
- For pure flamenco: Caseta Flamenca or bullfighting casetas (passionate atmosphere, deep song)
- With children: Family casetas with daytime entertainment (identifiable by colourful decorations)
Insider tip: Don't get attached to a single caseta. The charm of the Córdoba feria is being able to move freely and discover several different atmospheres in the same evening. This is a privilege unique to Córdoba in all of Andalusia.
The Andalusian horse parade
The Paseo de Caballos (horse promenade) is one of the most iconic and photogenic moments of the Feria de Córdoba. Every morning from 11am to 2pm, hundreds of riders in traditional traje corto and amazons in trajes de flamenca parade proudly on their pure-bred Pura Raza Española horses.
White and dappled-grey horses, worked leather harnesses, historic four-horse carriages, children perched in front of their fathers in the saddle. This is Andalusian equestrian culture at its full extent, with the Guadalquivir and Torre de la Calahorra as a backdrop.
Why the horses?
The equestrian tradition of the feria goes back to its medieval origins as a livestock fair. Andalusian breeders came to present and sell their finest horses. The commercial aspect has gone, but the pride in horsemanship has remained.
Today, taking part in the parade is a social honour: owning a pure-bred Andalusian horse, mastering classical equitation, and parading as a family are markers of belonging to Córdoba's rural and urban elite.
The Andalusian horse (Pura Raza Española) is a historic breed prized for its docility, elegance, and aptitude for dressage. It is the horse of the bullfight and the equestrian show.
Photography tips
- Best time: 12pm–1pm (soft light, parade at its height)
- Best spot: Paseo de la Ribera (main parade avenue, shaded by plane trees)
- Telephoto lens: 70–200mm to isolate a rider; wide-angle for context
- Framing: Include the monumental Portada gateway or the Guadalquivir in the background
- Patience: Wait for the four-horse carriages (rarer but spectacular)
Día del Caballo — Thursday
Thursday of the feria is officially dedicated to the horse. An official dressage competition and stallion presentation is held in the morning, bringing together the finest breeders from Andalusia. Judges assess the horses' conformation, movement, obedience, and elegance.
A connoisseur's atmosphere — technical discussions between aficionados, trophy presentations at the end of the morning. If you love horses, this is a privileged moment to exchange with Córdoban breeders.
What to wear at the feria
The golden rule: Wearing a traje de flamenca is not obligatory for visitors, but it is warmly encouraged for women who want to fully experience the feria. Men can dress in smart casual (no shorts or flip-flops).
For women
- Purchase: €80–300 (specialist shops in Córdoba)
- Hire: €40–80/day (city centre boutiques)
- Accessories: shawl, hair comb/flower, earrings
- Shoes: comfortable heels (lots of walking!)
Benefits: Full integration, unforgettable photos, warm welcome from locals
- Colourful summer dress, midi skirt + blouse
- Heeled shoes or sandals (avoid trainers)
- Statement jewellery, bold make-up welcome
Benefits: Comfortable, no investment required, still within the elegant dress code
For men
The traditional Andalusian costume is reserved for horsemen taking part in the equestrian parade. Only wear it if you are riding. Wearing it on foot would be seen as cultural appropriation.
- Chinos or clean jeans (not ripped)
- Short-sleeve shirt or polo
- Closed shoes (oxfords, loafers)
- Avoid: shorts, flip-flops, vests
This is what 90% of men at the feria wear (except riders)
⚠️ Absolute no-nos: Shorts, flip-flops, sports t-shirts, baseball caps, hiking backpacks. The feria is an elegant, traditional celebration. The dress code is respected even in the heat.
Where to hire or buy a traje de flamenca?
Hire: Many shops in the historic centre offer traje de flamenca hire. Book 2 weeks in advance. Expect €40–80 for 1–2 days, accessories included. Fitting required.
Buy new: Specialist shops around Plaza de las Tendillas: €80 (basic) to €300 (made to measure). A worthwhile investment if you plan to attend several ferias.
Buy second-hand: Flea markets, local Facebook groups. €30–60. Variable quality.
Feria gastronomy
The feria is as much a feast for the palate as for the ears. Each caseta has its own bar and kitchen, serving traditional tapas and Andalusian drinks. Prices are reasonable (€2–5 per tapa, €2–3 per rebujito) and quality is generally excellent.
Rebujito
Fino wine and lemonade cocktail, the emblematic feria drink
Boquerones fritos
Fried anchovies, classic feria tapas
Salmorejo
Córdoba's cold tomato soup
Rabo de toro
Slow-cooked oxtail stew
Must-try food and drink
- • Rebujito — THE feria cocktail (fino + lemonade)
- • Fino de Montilla — dry Andalusian white wine
- • Tinto de verano — red wine + lemonade
- • Cerveza — ice-cold draught beer
- • Salmorejo — Córdoba's chilled tomato soup
- • Boquerones fritos — crispy fried anchovies
- • Flamenquín — breaded pork loin roll
- • Rabo de toro — braised oxtail stew
Budget tip: Eating in the casetas is cheaper than restaurants in the city centre. Budget around €10–15 for a full meal (3 tapas + 2 drinks). Portions are generous.
How to order
In each caseta, go up to the bar and order directly. There is no table service. You pay immediately in cash. Bar staff are used to visitors and understand basic English.
- • "Un rebujito, por favor" → One rebujito please
- • "Dos cervezas" → Two beers
- • "¿Qué tapas tienen?" → What tapas do you have?
- • "La cuenta" → The bill
Calle del Infierno — Fairground rides
The "Calle del Infierno" ("Street of Hell") is the fairground rides area, with more than 80 attractions for all ages. The colourful name refers to the infernal noise of the rides, the flashing lights, and the general excitement that reigns there.
Main attractions
- Big wheel (Noria) — panoramic view over Córdoba, romantic at night
- Rollercoasters — several models, thrills guaranteed
- Dodgems — timeless classic, family atmosphere
- Children's rides — carousels, teacups, mini trains
- Game stalls — shooting gallery, duck fishing, lottery
- Ghost train — kitsch decor, guaranteed frights
Prices and tips
Average prices: €2–5 per attraction depending on size and duration. Family packages available at some stalls.
Wednesday = Día del Niño: All attractions at –50%. Ideal for families on a budget. Maximum crowds in the afternoon.
Best time: 5–8pm to avoid evening crowds, or after midnight once families have left.
Do I have to visit the Calle del Infierno?
Not at all. Many visitors (especially adults without children) come to the feria only for the casetas, the horses, and the festive atmosphere. The rides are mainly for families and teenagers. If you are not into fairground attractions, you can easily skip this area and stay in the caseta zone.
Getting to the feria
The feria takes place in the El Arenal district, on the Guadalquivir riverbanks, 15 minutes' walk from the historic centre (Plaza de las Tendillas). During the 8 days, 13 special bus lines run 24 hours a day for easy access.
Main bus lines
City centre ↔ El Arenal
Every 10 min
AVE station ↔ El Arenal
Every 15 min
North neighbourhoods ↔ El Arenal
Every 20 min
Fare: €1.30 per journey. Tickets sold on the bus (exact change recommended).
Walking from the centre
From the Mezquita-Catedral: 20 min on foot via Puente Romano → follow the Guadalquivir south
From Plaza de las Tendillas: 15 min via Avenida del Gran Capitán → Puerta del Puente
Upside: Free, pleasant riverside walk, no waiting
Downside: Tiring at 3am on the way back, not ideal in heels
Driving and parking
Not recommended: Traffic jams guaranteed in the evening, car parks quickly full. If you drive, park on the outskirts and take a bus.
Recommended car park: Parking Estación de Autobuses (€2/day) + direct bus 23
Note: Drink-driving is strictly enforced in Spain. Legal limit: 0.25 mg/L (about 2 drinks maximum)
Taxi / Rideshare
Availability: Taxis at feria entrances until 2am. After that, they become scarce.
Approximate price: €8–12 from the city centre (Plaza Tendillas → El Arenal)
Apps: Cabify and Free Now work in Córdoba (Uber limited)
Our tip: If you are staying in the historic centre, walk there (enjoy the evening air and the river), then take a night bus back (comfort, less tiring). Buses 21/23/29 run all night.
Where to stay during the feria
⚠️ BOOK 3–4 MONTHS AHEAD — Prices rise 30–50% during the feria (especially over the weekend). The best accommodation in the historic centre goes fast.
Option 1: Historic centre (Judería)
Ideal for being close to the monuments and having a base to rest between feria outings. 15–20 minutes' walk from El Arenal.
- • Parador de Córdoba — Historic luxury, €180–320/night
- • Eurostars Conquistador — Mezquita views, €140–260/night
- • Hacienda Posada de Vallina — Charm, €110–190/night
Option 2: Station area (modern)
More affordable, well connected by bus. Ideal if you arrive by AVE train. Less touristy atmosphere.
- • Prices 20–30% cheaper than in the Judería
- • Direct feria bus (line 23) every 15 minutes
- • Supermarkets and pharmacies nearby
- • Chain hotels (NH, AC Hotel, Tryp)
Option 3: Apartment / Airbnb
Popular for groups of friends or families. Allows you to cook and return home together after the feria.
Approximate budget: €80–150/night for a 4-person apartment in the centre
Option 4: Day trip from Seville
AVE train Seville–Córdoba: 45 minutes, €15–35 one way. Last trains around 10:30–11pm.
BUT: You will miss the night atmosphere (which peaks between 10pm–2am) and will need to leave early. Only feasible for a daytime visit (horses + caseta lunch).
Feria de Córdoba vs Feria de Abril (Seville)
| Criterion | Córdoba | Seville |
|---|---|---|
| Dates | Late May (8 days) | April (7 days after Holy Week) |
| Caseta access | 100% public and free | 70% private (invitation required) |
| Attendance | 500,000 visitors (manageable) | 1+ million visitors (very dense) |
| Atmosphere | Family-friendly, convivial, accessible | Glamorous, social, selective |
| Hotel prices | +30–50% (€110–260/night) | +100–200% (€200–500/night) |
| Scale | 83 casetas across 90,000 m² | 1,000+ casetas across 450,000 m² |
| Traje de flamenca | Encouraged but not obligatory | Near-obligatory (strong social code) |
| Best for | Authentic, inclusive discovery | Grand, exclusive experience |
Our take: If you are visiting Andalusia for the first time and want to experience a feria without social pressure or excessive cost, Córdoba is the better choice. You get the complete experience (horses, flamenco, gastronomy, casetas) without the frustration of being excluded from private tents. Seville is more spectacular but geared toward insiders or generous budgets.
Feria etiquette
DO ✓
- ✓ Greet people when entering a caseta ("¡Buenas!")
- ✓ Order and pay at the bar directly
- ✓ Dance even if you don't know how (people will help you!)
- ✓ Try the rebujito and local tapas
- ✓ Respect the horsemen (they have right of way in the streets)
- ✓ Dress smartly and elegantly
- ✓ Take photos but ask for permission for portraits
- ✓ Move between several casetas (that's the custom)
DON'T ✗
- ✗ Get visibly drunk (frowned upon; you will be asked to leave)
- ✗ Be loud or aggressive (family atmosphere)
- ✗ Sit at an occupied table without asking
- ✗ Touch or pet the horses without permission
- ✗ Wear shorts, flip-flops, baseball caps (smart dress code)
- ✗ Smoke inside casetas (prohibited, fines apply)
- ✗ Drop litter on the ground (bins everywhere)
- ✗ Mock traditions or the dancing
How to dance sevillanas
Sevillanas are the traditional dances of the feria. Structured in four verses, they are danced in couples (not necessarily male-female). The steps are codified but nobody will judge you if you improvise.
Tip: Watch a few couples dance first to pick up the basic structure. Then join in! The people of Córdoba love introducing visitors to the dance. If you are alone, it is perfectly normal to ask someone to dance ("¿Bailamos?"). A polite refusal is rare.
YouTube tutorials: Search "learn sevillanas beginners" to see the basic steps before you go.
Alcohol at the feria
Rebujito flows freely, but visible intoxication is frowned upon. The people of Córdoba pace themselves over hours but remain dignified. If you are visibly drunk (stumbling, aggressive), you will be firmly asked to leave by security. The feria is a celebration of pleasure, not excess. Drink water regularly (free from the bar on request).
Complete practical information
Weather and what to wear
Late May temperatures: 22–30°C during the day, 16–20°C at night
Sunshine: Excellent (10–12 hours of sun per day)
Rain risk: Low (10–15%). May is dry in Córdoba.
Tip: Sun cream essential during the day (horse parade under full sun). Bring a light jacket for the end of the night (drops to 16°C around 4am).
Safety and health
Pickpockets: Rare but present in the crowds. Keep your wallet and phone in a front pocket, not a backpack.
Medical emergencies: Cruz Roja first-aid post at the main feria entrance. Nurses on duty 24 hours.
Pharmacies: Several on-call pharmacies open in the city centre during the feria.
Emergency number: 112 (fire, police, ambulance)
Estimated budget (per person)
Official information
Official feria website: turismodecordoba.org
Full programme, interactive map, bus timetables
Tourism office: +34 902 201 774
Plaza de las Tendillas (open every day during the feria)
Feria map: Available at the entrance (paper) or on turismodecordoba.org (downloadable PDF)
Ready to experience the Feria de Córdoba?
The feria runs 23–30 May 2026. Hotel prices rise 30–50% during those 8 days — book early to get the best rates in the historic centre.
Discover more
Official Sources
This guide draws on official and recognised sources to ensure the accuracy of the information provided.
- Ayuntamiento de Córdoba — Feria de Nuestra Señora de la Salud
Official Córdoba city information on the Feria
- Córdoba Tourism Office
Official feria guide and cultural events
- Spain.info — Traditional Andalusian Fairs
Official calendar of ferias in Andalusia