The Córdoba Feria, officially the Feria de Nuestra Señora de la Salud, closes the Mayo Festivo — the month of festivities that opens with the Batalla de las Flores in late April. For eight days, the fairground district of El Arenal, beside the Guadalquivir, fills with more than 80 casetas (festive tents) all open to the public free of charge. That last detail is worth noting — Seville's Feria is famously closed to anyone without a private invitation. In Córdoba, you just walk in.
What actually happens
From the morning onwards, riders in traditional costume parade through the fairground on Andalusian horses, while women wear flamenca dresses in every colour imaginable. By evening, the casetas ring with sevillanas and coplas, accompanied by rebujito — fino wine and lemonade — served by the glass or the jug. The Calle del Infierno runs 80 fairground rides for all ages alongside the main action.
The programme
Wednesday is Children's Day — 50% off fairground rides. Thursday is Horse Day with an equestrian competition worth watching even if you know nothing about horses. The procession of the Virgin de la Salud and the opening fireworks mark the start of the week.
What to eat and drink
The feria diet: Rebujito (fino and lemonade, the emblematic drink), boquerones fritos (fried anchovies), salmorejo (cold tomato soup) and rabo de toro (slow-cooked oxtail).
Practical information
Open 1:00 pm to 6:00 am every day. Mornings are best for the horse parade and the spectacle of people arriving in traditional dress. Evenings are better for the caseta atmosphere and dancing. Free entry to all public casetas. 13 special bus routes serve the fairground, with lines 21/23/29 running 24 hours.
