Flowers Battle

Springtime brings flowers galore to Cordoba, starting with a parade at end of April called the Battle of the Flowers («La Batalla de las Flores «). Every year Cordoba, in Andalusia, hosts this unique parade (Flower Battle) featuring flowers as the key elements.

Flower Battle offers the perfect excuse to discover Cordoba at its most festive season, and features a procession of numerous carts and wagons through the historic center of the town, from which women, in traditional flamenco dress, throw petals and flowers to the spectators. Flower Battle parade marks the start of a period of celebrations. The floats are decorated with paper flowers, the typical horseshoe-shaped arches as seen in the city’s Mezquita, and images of the city’s patron saint, San Raphael. At 12 of Flower Battle festival day the floats’ passengers throw flowers (140,000 carnations, to be precise) into the crowds, accompanied by a band. The colorful “Flower Battle” ensues and the spectators return the flowery shots back at the floats. The “Flower Battle” started in 1940 but has been taking place consistently since sometime in the 1980’s.

 Next come the two main floral events, starting off with the May Crosses, followed by the Patio Contests , and finally the Spring Feria. All this is accompanied by a host of cultural events – all kinds of music, theater, flamenco and contemporary dance.