Festival de los Patios Cordobeses

What is the festival of the Patios of Cordoba?

During the first fortnight of May, the festival known as "Los Patios" takes place in the streets of Cordoba, where residents and tourists go out to visit the most beautiful patios in all of Andalucia.

Actually it is a contest, where fifty hundred patios participate in the competition, but you can also visit other patios that do not officially enter the contest. However, all of them are worth looking at and photographed.

The visit to the patios is free, although they are usually very crowded during the May festival. You should know that outside these dates it is also possible to visit many of the patios and in a much more relaxed way, since there is not so much public.

However, the environment that is lived in "Los Patios" is an opportunity that is only lived once.

There are two categories in the competition: ancient architecture and modern architecture, so that the patios that have been recently built can also participate. The idea of all this is to achieve the conservation of the typical architecture of Cordoba..

Keep in mind that the patios are located in private households and that their owners open them to the public so that everyone can enjoy them, so if you are going to visit them, it is important that you be kind and respectful to the people who live there.

This festival of "Los Patios Cordobeses" is internationally known and is visited by thousands of tourists from all over the world. And it is not for less, because you only have to experience one edition of this party to realize that it is a very special event where not only plants and flowers take center stage, but also architecture, water, wells and all the typical and traditional elements of these places.

The Festival of the Patios of Cordoba got very special recognition in 2012, as they were named Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by Unesco. Already previously in 1980 they were declared a Festival of National Tourist Interest.

What to Eat in Córdoba

In Córdoba, you can enjoy a delicious variety of traditional dishes from Andalusian cuisine. Here are some of the dishes and specialties you shouldn't miss:

• Salmorejo: A cold soup made from tomatoes, bread, olive oil, garlic, and salt. It's served with Iberian ham and chopped hard-boiled egg. It's a refreshing and delicious option.
• Cordoban Flamenquin: A typical dish from the province of Cordoba, consisting of a pork roll filled with serrano ham and cheese, breaded and fried. Its taste is delightful, with a combination of savory and mild flavors thanks to the ham and melted cheese. The meat is tender and juicy due to the frying process. The basic ingredients are thin pork steaks, serrano ham, and cheese, which are rolled up and coated with breadcrumbs before being fried in hot oil. The Flamenquin is a traditional Andalusian dish, very popular in Cordoba, and is usually served with french fries or salad.
• Rabo de Toro (Bull's Tail): This bull's tail stew is a delight, cooked slowly with red wine and spices until the meat is tender and succulent.
• Gazpacho: Similar to salmorejo, it's a cold soup made from tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, garlic, and olive oil. It's a refreshing option, especially in the warmer months.
• Ajo Blanco (White Garlic): Another cold soup, but this one is made from almonds, garlic, bread, and olive oil. It's a milder option than gazpacho and has a very characteristic flavor.
• Berza Cordobesa (Cordoban Cabbage Stew): It's a stew made from chickpeas, chorizo, blood sausage, bacon, and cabbage. It's a comforting and flavorful dish.
• Salmorejo Cordobés: This Cordoban version of salmorejo is especially famous. It's served in a deep dish and can be enjoyed on its own or with accompaniments like hard-boiled egg and ham.
• Mazamorra: A traditional dessert from Córdoba made from ground almonds, bread, garlic, olive oil, and vinegar. It's often served with grapes.
• Pastel Cordobés (Cordoban Pastry): A delicious pastry filled with angel hair, almonds, and sweet potato, covered with powdered sugar.
• Montilla-Moriles (Wine): This designation of origin produces unique fortified wines in the region. You can taste different types of wines in local wineries.

And don't forget to try the local tapas in the bars and restaurants of the city. Each place has its own specialty and will allow you to taste a variety of flavors.