Festival of Patios in Cordoba
The Patios Festival is one of the most beautiful festivals in Andalusia.
Córdoba is known throughout Spain as the city with the most beautiful courtyards in the country. So it is no wonder that the inhabitants of the Andalusian city proudly dedicate this festival to these courtyards. The Festival de Patios always takes place at the beginning of May after the festival of the May Crosses.
For 12 days, the residents open the doors to their private courtyards decorated with flowers. Nothing is left to chance, even the flowers are watered in the traditional way with a long stick and tin can. The participants say that nothing measures the amount of water better.
All year-round, the participants are busy making their courtyards as beautiful as possible. Flowers are planted, furniture is arranged and decorative elements are integrated with great passion.
The Patios Festival is one of the most beautiful festivals in Andalusia.
Córdoba is known throughout Spain as the city with the most beautiful courtyards in the country. So it is no wonder that the inhabitants of the Andalusian city proudly dedicate this festival to these courtyards. The Festival de Patios always takes place at the beginning of May after the festival of the May Crosses.
For 12 days, the residents open the doors to their private courtyards decorated with flowers. Nothing is left to chance, even the flowers are watered in the traditional way with a long stick and tin can. The participants say that nothing measures the amount of water better.
All year-round, the participants are busy making their courtyards as beautiful as possible. Flowers are planted, furniture is arranged and decorative elements are integrated with great passion.
History of the Patios
The court culture of Cordoba goes back to the time of the Roman and Moorish occupations. To escape the heat of summer, they built houses around the courtyard. The Arabs brought the colours and scents to Cordoba.
The Patios Festival was held for the first time in 1918. It has its origins in the old tradition of spending the mild summer nights in Andalusia with friends and neighbours in the inner courtyard.
The festival was not held during the Spanish Civil War but has been held regularly every year since the 1950s.
Strict rules
The rules are strict. Only historical buildings with two floors can be registered for the festival. The walls must be asymmetrical and whitewashed. In addition, the inner courtyard must be visible from the street.
An 8-person jury visits the farms for the annual competition. The most beautiful traditional and the most beautiful modern courtyard will be chosen. There are also special prices.
However, the splendour of flowers alone is not enough to win. The special ambience is also very important. The splashing of the water, the music, the scent, all of this flows into the jury's assessment.
Of the more than 4,000 courtyards in Cordoba, 60 will be open to visitors during the festival. However, you should be patient during the visits. The lines are often very long. But it's worth the wait. The beautiful patios, with the colours and smells are just wonderful.
Learn more about the Festival of Patios in Cordoba
Also, check our list of the best hotels in Cordoba and book your stay during the event.
