Balcony and Grille Competition
It is very difficult to say for certain when exactly the origins of what we now know as the Rejas and Balconies Contest of Córdoba began. It seems that some sources mention a possible start of the activity in 1919, but it wasn’t until 1927 that a contest was officially announced with the aim of rewarding a wonderful neighborhood initiative.
The Civil War came, and everything seemed to fall into oblivion until, in 1939, the contest was resumed as part of the May festivities. In fact, it wasn’t until 1947 that the Córdoba City Council decided to officially organize the contest together with the Crosses, the Patios, and the Feria of Nuestra Señora de la Salud itself.
Who participates in the contest?
All the grilles and/or balconies of homes located within the historic center of Córdoba can participate in the contest, as long as they are decorated solely with flowerpots, natural elements, or flowers.
Duration and prizes
The duration is the same as that of the Patios Contest, and as in the latter, a series of awards are also given: three top prizes and three honorable mentions. However, while the Patios Contest lasts about two weeks, the Rejas and Balconies Contest has the particularity that we can enjoy it at any time of the day, as it has no schedule and is displayed along many of the streets and alleys of our beautiful city. And even though the month ends, we can continue enjoying them for several more months.
Flowers and decoration
There are many types of flowers that can adorn these beautiful white façades with their wrought iron grilles and balustrades of iron or stone, just like those that decorate the cordobés patios. However, long hanging plants or flowers such as geraniums, bougainvilleas, or carnations in bright and cheerful colors tend to prevail.
A growingly popular contest
This contest is becoming increasingly popular among the people of Córdoba, as more participants join each year with their grilles or balconies. Currently, around twenty-six examples of floral compositions participate, giving the city a great variety of colors and scents, and creating wonderful spots where tourists or locals alike can enjoy their authentic beauty.
Recommendation for visitors
If you’re not sure what to do in Córdoba, we recommend visiting the Patios of Córdoba by booking one of our guided tours. There we will dedicate a special chapter to the Rejas and Balconies Contest. Choose quality tourism with qualified professionals—don’t hesitate, ArtenCórdoba is the best option.
Text: J.A.S.C.
Although there is talk of a possible start in 1919, it was in 1927 when the first contest was organized with the aim of rewarding a neighborhood initiative related to the decoration of grilles and balconies in Córdoba.
All homes in the historic center of Córdoba with grilles or balconies decorated exclusively with flowers, pots, or natural elements can participate.
The contest awards three first prizes and three honorable mentions, recognizing the best floral compositions that adorn the facades of the homes in the historic center of the city.
Flowers such as geraniums, bougainvilleas, and carnations are usually used, as well as hanging plants in bright colors, which decorate the grilles and balconies of Córdoba's houses.
The contest lasts a similar duration to the Patios of Córdoba, but what’s special about this contest is that the decorated grilles and balconies can be enjoyed at any time of day, for several months, beyond the official month of the event.
Table of contents
Popular visits
Guided Tour Mosque of Cordoba
From:
Guided Tour to Medina Azahara
From:
Guided Tour to the Alcazar of Cordoba
From:
