Let your hair down at the city of Cordoba’s annual Feria de Mayo

It’s party time. Jolanda van de Streek, co-owner of ImmoVario, explains how the Feria de Mayo makes Cordoba the place to be next month

Certain places across the world have best times of the year to visit, and for the Andalucian city of Cordoba, the last week of May is when to go. This is due to the Feria de Mayo, which gives a deep insight into how the Cordobeses put on a party

Originally a religious festival that celebrated Nuestra Señora de la Salud (our Lady of Health), the festival is now the culmination of a series of events in May which locals and visitors alike can attend in this beautiful city. Designed for all ages, it is a fantastic way to spend time as a couple, family or head there on your own - the Cordoban people are very friendly and you are guaranteed to get talking to or dancing with someone.

This year the Feria de Mayo takes place from May 19 to 26 at the el Arenal fairground. Local associations hire a stand which are open to the public attending the fair to wander in and out of as they please.

Each stand, or caseta in Spanish, located along ‘mini streets’ created within the fairground, serves tapas, the local fino sherry and local wine and there is dancing galore to Sevillanas, the upbeat local music. Expect to see the local men dusting off their traditional hats and the women digging out their Flamenco dress and peineta, a traditional ornate hair comb, to go and dance with their friends. The sight of people dressed up as gypsies and horse drawn carriages will become normal to you within minutes.

The Feria de Mayo's programme includes a spectacular firework show, live music, official horse parades and Flamenco shows, all against the backdrop of the Guadalquivir River, the 650km long river that runs across the entire length of Spain. Often overlooked by Granada and Seville, Cordoba is an easy city to navigate on foot with good shopping, cafés and excellent tapas bars.

Take some time out from partying to explore the city's patios and museums, the Mezquita - the mosque cathedral of the city and to walk across the bridge over the river. We recommend Plaza de las Tendillas on a hot night if you want to watch the local children hopping around in the fountains or Plaza de la Corredora for tapas and a relaxed feel.

The AVE train makes it very easy to get to Cordoba from Malaga in just under an hour. It is an ideal place to visit in May just before the summer heat and highs of 40 degrees or more hit the city. If you are planning on staying overnight we recommend that you book a hotel in advance of your visit to the Feria de Mayo.

Whether you wish to live permanently, buy a second home, or are looking to rent, details of properties available for purchase and rental can be found on our Spanish property portal: ImmoVario.com.

 Picture © Edmund Holt