After the May Crosses and the floral splendour of the Courtyard Competition – in what is always an intense month – Córdoba is now preparing for its flagship event. The Feria de Nuestra Señora de la Salud – Our Lady of Health – brings the celebrations to a close, marking the end of a period rich in tradition, culture, and festivities. Discover everything you need to know about the Córdoba Fair 2026.
History and Origin of the Córdoba Fair
The Córdoba Fair has its origins in the Middle Ages. In the 13th century, King Sancho IV granted the city the right to hold two annual livestock fairs. These early events had a predominantly commercial and agricultural character, serving as a vital hub for trade and community gathering.
Over the centuries, the celebration evolved. In the 17th century, the discovery of a small Marian image beside a well believed to have healing properties gave rise to the devotion to Our Lady of Health – a title that would eventually lend its name to the present-day fair. This intertwining of religious tradition with local customs transformed the fair into a vibrant celebration of both faith and community.
The location of the fair has also changed over time. From sites near the old city gates to the Paseo de la Victoria, where it remained for almost two centuries, the event found its current home in 1994 – on a large site next to the Guadalquivir River, allowing for greater accessibility and a more expansive celebration.
When is the Córdoba Fair in 2026?
The Córdoba Fair will take place this year from 22 to 30 May – during the last full week of the month. For eight lively days, locals and visitors will fill the fairgrounds to enjoy the casetas, fairground rides, food, and live music.
The switching on of the lights will be held on Friday, 22 May at 10:00 pm. At midnight – in the early hours of Saturday – a fireworks display will officially mark the start of the fair, illuminating the night sky and setting the tone for the festivities ahead.
Córdoba Fair Poster
The poster for the May Festival brings together the Crosses, the Patios, and the Fair. This year’s design is by Córdoba-based artist Rafael Castejón. The main image features a woman dressed in a red flamenco dress – a visual homage to Andalusian tradition and the artistic legacy of Julio Romero de Torres. The artwork combines historic symbols of the city with contemporary elements, encapsulating the spirit of Córdoba.
Bullfighting at the Córdoba Fair 2026
The bullfighting programme will take place between 15 and 24 May at the Los Califas bullring, spread over two weekends. The schedule begins with a tribute to the women of Córdoba, followed by novilladas (bullfights with young bulls), corridas (with mature bulls), and a rejoneo (bullfight on horseback). These are the highlights:
- 16 May – Bullfight with picadors: Emiliano Osornio, Julio Norte, and Manuel Quintana, with bulls from El Cotillo-Hermanos Collado Ruiz.
- 17 May – corrida: Daniel Luque, David de Miranda, and Manuel Román from Córdoba, with bulls from Juan Pedro Domecq.
- 22 May – corrida: Borja Jiménez, Víctor Hernández, and Marco Pérez, with bulls from Núñez de Tarifa.
- 24 May – Closing corrida: José María Manzanares, Juan Ortega, and Pablo Aguado, with bulls from Domingo Hernández.
Where is the Córdoba Fair in 2026?
The fair is held every year at the El Arenal fairgrounds, located next to the Guadalquivir River and Córdoba’s football stadium. This spacious and well-adapted area accommodates both the monumental entrance gate and the streets dedicated to the casetas and the famous Calle del Infierno, where the rides are set up.
In 2026, there will be 85 casetas for socialising and dancing. The available space will be expanded to nearly 46,650 square metres for their installation. One of the defining characteristics of the Córdoba Fair is that all casetas are free to enter – fostering an open and participatory atmosphere that invites everyone to join in the fun.
How to Get to the Córdoba Fair?
Getting to the El Arenal fairgrounds is easy, thanks to increased public transport and designated access points during the fair. The City Council implements a special plan each year to improve mobility.
- On foot: One of the most common options if you are staying in the city centre – around 25 minutes from the old town, crossing the Arenal Bridge.
- By bus: Special lines operate with extended hours, particularly at night and in the early morning, with continuous services.
- By taxi: Availability is increased throughout the week, especially at night.
- By car: Parking areas are available next to the venue, with signposted access from the A-4 motorway and nearby roads.
- On horseback or by carriage: For those choosing a traditional arrival, there are designated routes from the city centre to El Arenal.
Córdoba Fair 2026 Programme
The Córdoba Fair brings tradition, religious events, exhibitions, and popular activities to the city once again this year. These are the main events:
- Friday, 22 May
- 10 p.m. – Official opening: The fair is officially opened by lighting the main entrance and the fairgrounds.
- Midnight – Fireworks: Fireworks display by the river that marks the official start.
- Saturday, 23 May
- 11 a.m. – Carriage Exhibition: Gathering and procession of carriages through different points of the city to El Arenal.
- 1 p.m. – Transfer of the Virgin of Health: Procession of the image to the fairgrounds, with arrival scheduled for 2 p.m.
- 23 to 25 May
- Rociero Encounter: Days dedicated to Andalusian folklore with performances and a Rociero atmosphere at the venue.
- Sunday, 24 May
- Horse parade (1 p.m. – 8 p.m.): Equestrian parade through the marked circuit of the grounds, with specific dress and safety rules.
- 25 – 29 May
- Train shuttle service (Midday – 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.): A shuttle service facilitates access for elderly people around the fairgrounds.
- Wednesday, 27 May
- All day – Children’s Day: Attractions will offer discounts on a perfect day for families.
- Thursday, 28 May
- 8.30 p.m. – Flamenco choir parade: Musical procession from the entrance to the Municipal Booth.
- Sunday, 30 May
- 6 a.m. – Official closing of the fairgrounds: End of the fair after eight days of celebration.
Concerts and Performances at the Córdoba Fair 2026
Music is once again one of the main driving forces of the 2026 Córdoba Fair. In El Arenal, cover bands from the 80s and 90s predominate, without forgetting flamenco and more current offerings. Here’s a glimpse of the musical lineup:
- Friday, 22 May
- Olivetti Versions – Night (Los Tejares, Alcázar 4). Start of their fair tour with a pop-rock repertoire from the 80s and 90s.
- Reconvers – Night (Patios 5). Inaugural concert at the old Puñetera.
- Tabernícolas – Night (La Zumbá, Alcázar 12). Festive versions to kick off the first Friday.
- Chanely and Montoya + Quinto Pino Animation – Night (La Puñetera, Corredera 2). Opening show with daily Latin entertainment.
- Saturday, 23 May
- Olivetti – Afternoon (Patios 5). Afternoon session with great Spanish pop hits.
- Reconvers – Night (Patios 5). Second performance of the group in the same booth.
- Planet 80 and Version 2.0 – Gazpacho and Yerbabuena (two shows daily). Classics of the fairground music circuit.
- Sunday, 24 May
- Tabernícolas – Afternoon (Patios 5). Performance within the musical cycle of this booth.
- Olivetti – Night (Los Pedroches, Puente Romano 7 y Gloria Bendita, Mezquita 10). Double nighttime date in two different spaces.
- Flamenco programme at Gloria Bendita. Artists such as Tete Pineda, Miriam Montes, and Manuel Moral will perform at the Tablao Principal.
- Monday, 25 May
- Rafa Romera – Patios 5. A concert featuring Spanish pop and covers.
- Tabernícolas – Afternoon (La Martina, Guadalquivir 4). New stop on your route through the casetas.
- Olivetti – Afternoon (La Villa, Puente Romano 10). Performance within their schedule of 12 concerts.
- Tuesday, 26 May
- Olivetti – Afternoon (Salmorejo y Perejil, Alcázar 13) and Evening (Patios 5). Double session in different locations.
- Taverns – Afternoon (La Marimorena, Alcázar 1) and Evening (Jóvenes Abogados, Los Patios 4). An intense day with two stages.
- Planeta 80 – La Puñetera (Corredera 2). Special concert within the weekly programme.
- Wednesday, 27 May
- Reconvers and Tabernícolas – Patios 5 (afternoon/evening). Alternating performances in one of the most active casetas.
- Tabernícolas – Tarde (La Sultana, Los Patios 6). Afternoon atmosphere with festive versions.
- Olivetti – Afternoon (Los Tejares) and Night (Gloria Bendita). Another double stop for the band.
- Thursday, 28 May
- Rafa Romera and Gamberock – Patios 5. A combination of pop and rock for Thursday night.
- Planeta 80 – La Puñetera (Corredera 2). Second performance of the week at this caseta.
- Tabernícolas – Afternoon (La Sultana). New event within its fair agenda.
- Friday, 29 May
- Gamberock and Olivetti – Patios 5 (closing). End the party in one of the most popular casetas.
- Tabernícolas – Night (Caseta Diputación, Guadalquivir 14). The group’s last major performance at the venue.
- Olivetti – Afternoon (La Rosa, Guadalquivir 12)
Living in Córdoba
Córdoba is a city that combines historical heritage, tradition, and a comfortable quality of life. Its moderate size allows residents to enjoy a full range of services without losing the convenience and relaxed pace typical of southern Spain.
Events such as the Feria, the Cruces, and the Patios Festival reflect the open and welcoming character of its people. Living in Córdoba means enjoying culture, gastronomy, a mild climate, and a particularly vibrant calendar of celebrations each spring.
