The Patios on Holy Thursday

It was in 2021 that Cordoba began to revive this Holy Week tradition, which consists of opening various courtyards so the public can visit their altars on Holy Thursday. These altars are used to "adore the Lord," as was done in these same places more than a hundred years ago, although the custom was to go to the houses at dawn. This year the celebration continues, also extending it to Holy Friday.

This tradition became deeply rooted in the 1920s, especially in the neighborhoods of San Lorenzo and Santa Marina. It was customary to attend Holy Week processions and then visit the courtyards containing small altars, which were usually located in low rooms of the houses facing the street or the courtyard. These altars were lit with candles and decorated with flowers and plants from the courtyards themselves. They welcomed friends, neighbours, and family members to share experiences and traditions while singing saetas, thus celebrating Holy Thursday around the patio and its altar.

The Patios on Holy Thursday 2025:

• Dates and visiting hours:
  • Thursday, April 17, from 8:00 p.m. to midnight.
  • Friday, April 18, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
• Participating patios: San Juan de Palomares st., 11; Guzmanas st., 7; Pastora st., 2; Zarco st., 15; Zarco st., 13; Mariano Amaya st., 4; San Rafael square, 7; Pedro Verdugo st., 8; Pedro López st., 8; and Aceite st., 8