Feria de Nuestra Señora de la Salud en Córdoba

Introduction and local significance

The Feria de Nuestra Señora de la Salud in Córdoba takes place from 22 to 29 May 2027. This festival is notable for the use of traditional gitana and corto outfits, lanterns, and nearly three hundred thousand light bulbs lit simultaneously at the entrance of the Real. The joy of sevillanas, fino wine, tapas, the cordobés hat, and peinetas add colour and flavour to the city during these days.

Historical origins and tradition

The main fair in Córdoba dates back to the 18th century, with its origins tracing back to 1284, when King Sancho IV granted the privilege to the Council of Córdoba to hold two livestock fairs each year. In 1422, the Cincuesma fair began to be celebrated in the early days of May, and in 1492, the Catholic Monarchs confirmed both fairs, a privilege ratified by Philip II in 1556. In 1665, in front of the gate of Sevilla, two farmers discovered the image of a small virgin in a well whose waters restored health, henceforth baptising it as the Feria de Nuestra Señora de la Salud. In 1790, the fair was reduced to end at ten o'clock at night by royal order due to disturbances, it was moved in front of the gate of Gallegos in 1803, and it acquired its definitive location in the Jardines de la Victoria in 1820. In 1905, the date of 25 May was definitively fixed, in 1924 electricity was introduced, and the first private booths appeared, and in 1994 it was permanently moved to the new fairground of El Arenal by the banks of the Guadalquivir River. Traditions include a parade of prancing horses, decorated carriages, flamenco riders, and female riders wearing the cordobés hat.

Programme and main events

The official programme includes the following central events planned for this edition:

• Lighting pending confirmation.
• Concerts by tribute bands from the 80s and 90s and flamenco. The booths at the Feria de Nuestra Señora de la Salud in Córdoba are open access to the public, without the need for invitations or membership.

Traditional festival food

The gastronomic offer consists of traditional preparations enjoyed at the venue. Among the most notable items are:

• Vino fino: a typical local wine served in a glass.
• Rebujito: a refreshing drink that pairs perfectly with tapas and traditional dishes.
• Flamenquín: a traditional dish from Córdoba.
• Berenjena: a typical dish from Córdoba.
• Salmorejo: a traditional dish of Cordoban cuisine.

Visitor guide and where to stay

The fairground is located in El Arenal, by the banks of the Guadalquivir River. For parking, the Parking del Arenal is situated on the right side of the A-4 heading towards Madrid, managed by Grupo Barea, and offers a fair pass for 60 euros or single access rates of 9.50 euros for cars, 4 euros for motorcycles, 20 euros for horse vans, 30 euros for buses, 60 euros for fairground trucks, and free for bicycles. The shopping centre El Arcángel offers 3 hours free with purchases of 6 euros or rates of 0.05 euros per minute with a maximum of 15 euros daily, while Parking La Ribera is open 24 hours with a rate of 2 euros for the first hour. There are also free parking areas near the cemetery of Nuestra Señora de la Salud or the Paseo de la Victoria, and a space on Avenida Campo de la Verdad next to the petrol station and the Miraflores area reserved for residents with an adhesive identification card. For transport, Aucorsa provides special bus services connecting neighbourhoods to the fairground with adapted vehicles, as well as recommended urban lines such as 1, 7, 8, and 12 if parking at Paseo de la Victoria or the cemetery. A taxi service is also available with contact numbers and platforms like PideTaxi. Accessibility measures are implemented, such as Navilens codes in advertising and directional tactile paving on Calle del Potro, as well as parking spaces reserved for people with reduced mobility next to the Ciudad del Feriante and in the general parking at Camino de la Barca. It is advisable to book accommodation in advance for the festival dates, with public transport or parking outside the centre preferred during peak days. Before travelling, check the official programme as schedules and events may change, and remember that staying in the municipality or nearby towns makes it easier to attend the night events.