It is very difficult to date for certain the exact origin of what we know today as Bars and Balconies Contest in Córdoba. There seems to be some sources that mention a likely beginning of the activity in 1919, but it was in 1927 when a contest was announced with the objective of awarding a prize for the great neighbouring initiative.

The Spanish Civil War started and everything seems to be forgotten until 1939, when the contest is resumed as part of the festival in May. The truth is that it was not until 1947 when the City Council of Córdoba decided to call for the contest itself, along with the Crosses, the Courtyards and the Fair of Our Lady of Health itself.

All the bars and/or balconies can take part in the contest, as long as they belong to houses located in the historical centre of Córdoba, and are decorated only with flower pots, and natural or flowery elements.

They last the same as the Courtyards Contest, and like this one, there are also a series of prizes awarded: three first prizes and three secondary ones. However, although the duration of the Courtyards Contest is two weeks, the Bars and Balconies Contest can be seen at any time of the day, as there is no timetable and they are displayed on many streets and alleys of our beautiful city, and, even when the month finishes, we can still enjoy them for a few more months.

There are many kinds of flowers decorating these beautiful white façades with their forge bars and their iron or stone balustrades, as well as the ones decorating the courtyards in Córdoba, although there is predominance of long hanging plants or flowers like geraniums, bougainvillaes or bright and colourful carnations.

This contest is having more and more acceptance among the people of Córdoba, as there are more participants each year with their bars or balconies. Nowadays there are around twenty six examples of flowery compositions, giving the city a great variety of colours and smells, and some wonderful corners where the tourist or the person from Córdoba can enjoy contemplating its real beauty.

If you are not sure what to do in Córdoba, we recommend you visit the Courtyards in Córdoba hiring one of our guided tours. We will dedicate there a special chapter to the Bars and Balconies Contest. Choose to do high quality sightseeing with qualified staff. Do not hesitate, ArtenCórdoba is the best option.

Text: J.A.S.C.