As soon as you land, head straight to one of the top attractions Andalusia has to offer: the Córdoba Fair.
A celebration that dates back to the 13th century as a livestock fair, which evolved and took on a formal and festive character with the arrival of the Catholic Monarchs.
If you want to discover its fascinating history, stay with us. And if you’d like to experience it firsthand, we recommend hire a cheap car at Málaga Airport and diving into one of the most beautiful, lively, and legendary events in the province of Córdoba.
Table of Contents
When is the Córdoba Fair 2025?
The month of May in Córdoba is packed with a calendar full of delightful and well-known events: the Crosses of May (April 30 to May 4), the Battle of the Flowers (May 4), the Pilgrimage of the Virgin of Linares (May 11), and the Patios Festival along with the Rejas and Balconies Contest from May 5 to 18.
But the highlight is definitely the Córdoba Fair. This year, the Córdoba Fair kicks off on Saturday, May 24, filling the city with color, music, and joy for a full week, ending on May 31. You can actually start enjoying it a bit earlier, from the official lighting of the fairgrounds on May 23.
Also worth noting is the famous “Feria Thursday,” which in 2025 will fall on May 29. This is a local holiday, with celebrations extending into Friday as well.
What to do at the Córdoba Fair
Rides at the Córdoba Fair
As one of the biggest fairs in Andalusia and Spain, the rides at the Córdoba Fair never disappoint; from timeless classics to more modern and innovative options—without losing the fair’s essence.
Most of the rides are found along Calle del Infierno, also affectionately called “cacharritos” around here. The most famous ones include the Witch’s Train, Viking Ship, Ferris Wheel, the Pot, or the Free Fall. Don’t miss the classic booths and stands with camel races, fishing games, or shooting galleries.
Ride prices range from four to five euros, with the more affordable ones aimed at younger children.
Beyond the rides, you can enjoy horses, carriages, and calesas roaming through the fairgrounds. There are also many other activities to explore during the Córdoba Fair, like visiting historic spots such as the Jewish Quarter of Córdoba or attending a bullfight.
Bullfights at the Córdoba Fair
In honor of Our Lady of Health of Córdoba, there will be two bullfights and one mixed novice bullfight at the Los Califas bullring. On May 23, 24, and 25 at 7:00 PM, Córdoba Fair goes bullfighting.
The lineup starts with a mixed novice bullfight on Friday, May 23, featuring local Fuentes Bocanegra and Javier Zulueta, and four bulls from El Cotillo-Hermanos Collado Ruiz.
The first bullfight will be held the next day, starring Miguel Ángel Perera, Emilio de Justo, and Borja Jiménez. Finally, May 25 will bring the grand finale with local bullfighter Manuel Román taking the alternativa in front of Juan Ortega.
How many casetas are there at the Córdoba Fair?
The Córdoba Fair consists of 86 casetas, one more than last year’s edition, marking a full house for 2025. Most of them, 75, are run by associations, while the rest are known as “youth” casetas.
Though the management may vary and each association may have its own theme, all casetas must meet certain common standards to maintain the overall image of the fairgrounds and the Córdoba Fair.
Each caseta must include a kitchen, a traditional design reflecting Córdoba’s typical architecture, and distinct decorations such as lanterns, garlands, wrought iron, and flowerpots. This is what makes El Arenal look so spectacular year after year. Don’t forget to try the famous Córdoba tapas in the fair’s casetas.
How to get to the Córdoba Fair
Getting there by bus
Upon arriving at Málaga Airport, you’ll find a direct connection to the Málaga Bus Station via Line A heading toward P. Parque. From there, you can catch direct buses to the center of Córdoba in about three hours with no stops.
Getting there by car
Getting to the Córdoba Fair by car from Málaga: Take the A-4 from exit 401. Then, use exit 988 toward Córdoba/Granada/Seville onto AP-46. After 20 kilometers, switch to the A-45 and follow it for 100 kilometers until you reach exit 0. This leads you onto E-5/A-4 toward Córdoba city center/Madrid.
Getting to the Córdoba Fair by car from Córdoba city center: Starting at the Córdoba Mosque, take Magistral González Francés Street toward Corregidor Luis de la Cerda Street. In under 10 minutes (traffic depending), you’ll be there.
Turn left onto Cardenal González Street, then 300 meters later turn right toward Plaza Cruz del Rastro. After half a kilometer, continue along Carmen Olmedo Checa Street. Turn left onto Campo de la Verdad Avenue, then right onto Calle de El Infierno, where the Fairgrounds are located—right in front of the Bahrain Victorious Nuevo Arcángel Stadium of Córdoba.
Map of the Córdoba Fair
To make sure you don’t miss a thing at this year’s Córdoba Fair, here’s a map with all the key spots.
