Festival of the Courtyards, Cordoba © Creative Commons / karaian

 

The layout of the historic centre of Cordoba remains much as it did in Moorish times with whitewashed houses giving on to narrow, winding ways. Practically each house has its own inner courtyard and fountain, not normally open to the public. In the first half of May, though, hundreds of owners compete with their neighbours for the best floral display, and the patios are open to all. Potted geraniums are mounted on whitewashed walls right up to the eaves and there are prizes in different categories such as historic, traditional and modern. At night they are lit up and the sound of Cordoban choirs or flamenco music can often be heard and tracked down to some hidden courtyard. There are also concerts of singing and dancing, and itineraries to follow through the historic centre and its adjoining neighbourhoods.

Times
Various.