It´s Feria time in Córdoba!
Trip Start
Apr 27, 2008
1
22
27
Trip End
Jun 05, 2008
Córdoba,
Spain
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
In Córdoba, as in the whole of Spain, starting with la Semana Santa (holy week of Easter), there are non-stop celebrations and fairs, mostly connected with the church. As one local told me, Spaniards know when to party and when to work; and so they do! Remember, we are in Southern Spain now, and life is a bit more relaxed here, where the sun is stronger, the days are longer and the wine flows more freely. Is that possible? We were hoofing it back from el Palacio de Viana, a 14-19th century example of Cordoban civil architecture with 12 patios and a wonderful garden, truly outstanding in a city famous for its patios, when we saw the first horse-drawn carriage filled with handsome ladies wearing flamenco dresses and their horsemen driving the horses. This is so exciting! Follow that carriage to Feria.
Welcome to a typical entry, Cordoban home
We couldn´t allow this opportunity to pass, so it was off to Feria for the four of us. We just followed the typical dresses, all colors and designs, all gorgeous. The purpose of the fair according to the literature is to drink and dance. We can confirm that. However, it didn't begin as a festival of parading/drinking/dancing. It originated years ago as an agricultural fair that has morphed into many huge tents, all serving traditional food and playing either flamenco music or, yes, American music to dance to. Grab your castenets, look sultry, put your arms just so, and start clicking those heels, will you? The crowds are fierce; the horses and carriages parade, as do the ladies and gentlemen. Very Spanish, very Cordoban. Their hang-overs musts last for days.
Tomorrow, Granada beckons! Ciao, Dick and Sue
