If you are planing a vacation to Spain around the end of May, I highly recommend you to come to Cordoba. Usually celebrated at the End on May , La Feria de Cordoba happens in commemoration of the "wellness virgin" (Virgen de la salud). The Arenal holds an incredible amount of flamenco dancers, gypsies , horse riders and the like. A true display of Cordoba ancient culture and folklore. If you are passing through the south of Spain around this time of the year - this is a MUST! This event will change your life for ever, nowhere else you will have the opportunity to "taste" true local flavor like in la Feria de Cordoba. Ole Ole....
La Feria de Cordoba offers open door metaphorically and literally speaking. Entrance is free and locals will welcome you with open arms. With most events being open to the public, it's worth finding out the schedule for the different artists and concerts ahead of time. La Feria expands in several streets, where you can take hours to explore. Most attendees really take it at heart, dressing up in colorful costumes. It almost felt like stepping into a movie! And trust me, by the end of the day you will confirm this is more like a dream.
This magical event gets divided in 2 sections:
Calle del infierno - where you can find typical fair attractions and rides such as the carousel, Ferris wheel, the swing, and much more. All of course with a little Andalusian twist. "Los Chacharrillos", as known by the locals, are Perfect for adrenaline aficionados or families with kids. Just walking by this section will transport you to the golden years of your youth.
Las Casetas - Although a different section, still within the complex of El Arenal. Las Casetas offer a variety of local "tablaos" where you can eat, drink and of course DANCE. Feel free to enjoy all the best dishes in Andalusian cuisine. The music and flamenco guarantee you will burn it all! Including of course the vino that will make the beats just flow better through your hips. Going from one caseta to the next, dancing with strangers, trying endless delicious wine may get you a few new friends. But don't worry, people here make you feel at home. This may just be the perfect environment to finally become fluent in Spanish.
Moving on to the outfits - Are you in love with these dresses or what? this was the first time I got to see live the authentic Flamenco dresses you are supposed to wear to a tablao - colloquial term for tablado or floorboard where flamenco shows are performed. The extravagant dresses for the most part are hand made. Full of ruffles and colors (or polka dots). La feria de Cordoba thought me that there are 2 types of flamenco dresses - the tight ones (body hugging) for the tablao attendees and the loose ones for the dancers. Honestly, I'll take either. These dresses are just so adorable. A magical embodiment of the Andalusian (culture) folklore. Want more? Take a look at the shawls (mantilla) above the shoulders. And the flowers decorating the hair bun to complete the look. Simply one of the most exquisite fashion designs I've ever seen. I want to buy them all in every color please!
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| Very rarely I'm the under dressed one for the occasion |
Overall one day is just not enough. Ideally you take a second day to repeat your favorite parts or to finish the ones you didn't get to see. And if there is any energy left after all the Flamenco dancing, I highly recommend you to take the time to explore Cordoba! This beautiful city was an important Roman city and a major Islamic center in the middle ages. La Mezquita is one of the most important monuments here. A tribute to a part of history in the South of Spain. Where Muslim and Catholic styles/religions harmoniously melted to create this breathtaking master piece.
Did you know that Cordoba has the second largest Old town in Europe? And the largest urban area in the World declared World Heritage by UNESCO? Exploring these streets will make you understand why it became the capital of the Islamic Emirate and a powerful center for culture and education. Cordoba also has a Jewish quarter, Roman architecture & Fernandine Churches. All these different components come together to make it one of the most beautiful cities in Spain. But don't leave without first taking a stroll through the Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos. This was also one of my favorite parts of the trip. A structure that served many different purposes throughout the years, today is the perfect place to take a magical walk. It's elegant gardens, water fountains and exotic flowers will transport you to a real life fairy-tale. A fairy-tale where I can dance Flamenco & drink my "tinto de verano", EVERYDAY! Vale?
