Córdoba Guitar Festival – Spain 2026

Background & History

• Origins: Launched in 1981 by the Instituto Municipal de Artes Escénicas (IMAE) in Córdoba, the Festival de Guitarra de Córdoba was created to celebrate the guitar’s versatility, rooted in the city’s deep Andalusian flamenco tradition and its historical role as a cultural crossroads under Roman, Islamic, and Christian influences.
• Cultural Significance: As one of Europe’s most prestigious guitar festivals, it showcases the instrument’s global reach across flamenco, classical, jazz, Latin, and contemporary genres, set in Córdoba’s UNESCO World Heritage city, home to the iconic Mezquita-Catedral and Patios, amplifying Spain’s musical legacy.
• Evolution: From a modest debut with 10 performances at the Góngora Theater, it grew by the 1990s to include multiple venues, international artists, and educational programs; the 2026 edition (46th) expands on 2025’s 22,000+ attendees with virtual reality workshops and eco-friendly staging.
• Global Impact: Attracts 25,000–30,000 visitors from 25+ countries, 250+ artists, and generates €2.5–3.5 million for Córdoba’s economy, boosting tourism in the historic Jewish Quarter, Patios, and local crafts markets, with 10% of revenue reinvested in cultural preservation.
• Milestones: 1990 introduced flamenco masterclasses with pioneers like Manolo Sanlúcar; 2000 launched the International Guitar Competition; 2015 partnered with UNESCO for heritage events; 2020’s online pivot reached 50,000+ viewers; 2025 featured 35+ shows; 2026 adopts “Strings of Unity” theme for cross-cultural collaborations.
• Community Role: Organized by IMAE and Góngora Theater, it engages 1,500+ local students through workshops, supports 50+ artisans via guitar-making exhibits, and partners with local schools for youth concerts, fostering Córdoba’s next generation of musicians.
• Sustainability Commitment: Since 2018, measures carbon footprint, with 2026 targeting 20% emissions reduction through solar-powered stages, biodegradable ticketing, and partnerships with NGOs like EcoCórdoba for tree planting and waste reduction.
• Recent Developments: 2025’s 45th edition drew 22,500 attendees, with headliners like Vicente Amigo and a record 1,200+ masterclass participants; 2026 introduces AI-curated concert playlists, VR guitar lessons, and a focus on Latin American guitar traditions.
• Educational Impact: Offers scholarships for young guitarists, with 2025 awarding €15,000 to 10 students; 2026 expands outreach with free online tutorials and a new mentorship program with global artists.
• Artistic Collaborations: Partners with institutions like Casa Árabe and Filmoteca de Andalucía for cross-disciplinary events, integrating music with visual arts, literature, and film, drawing 5,000+ attendees to side events in 2025.

Event Highlights

• Main Concerts: 35+ performances (July 3–12, 2026) across flamenco, classical, jazz, Latin, and fusion genres, featuring artists like Vicente Amigo, Al Di Meola, and Ana Vidović at Góngora Theater and Gran Teatro (8:00 PM–11:00 PM), with 80% sell-out rates in 2025.
• Masterclasses and Workshops: 20+ sessions (July 4–11, 10:00 AM–2:00 PM) on flamenco techniques, classical composition, jazz improvisation, and guitar lutherie, led by luminaries like Manolo Sanlúcar and Tomatito, accommodating 250+ participants with hands-on instruction.
• International Guitar Competition: Two categories (July 7–8, 6:00 PM–9:00 PM) for classical and flamenco, with €5,000–€15,000 prizes for youth (under 25) and professionals, judged by a panel including Pepe Romero; 2025 saw 100+ global entrants.
• Street Performances: Free pop-up shows (July 4–11, 5:00 PM–9:00 PM) in Plaza de las Tendillas, Plaza de la Corredera, and Patios de Córdoba, featuring 50+ local and international buskers, from flamenco trios to Brazilian choro groups, drawing 3,000+ nightly spectators.
• Exhibitions: Guitar-making showcases at Casa Árabe (July 3–12, 10:00 AM–8:00 PM), displaying 16th-century instruments, modern Andalusian luthier works, and sustainable guitar designs using recycled woods, with guided tours for 500+ visitors.
• Youth and Family Activities: Free kids’ workshops (July 5–6, 11:00 AM–1:00 PM, ages 6–12) teaching basic chords and flamenco rhythms, paired with storytelling on Córdoba’s musical history; family-friendly concerts in Alcázar gardens (July 11, 7:00 PM) for 1,000+ attendees.
• Special Traditions: Opening gala (July 3, 9:00 PM) at Gran Teatro with a flamenco-classical fusion featuring a 20-piece ensemble; “Noche Blanca de la Guitarra” (July 12, 6:00 PM–midnight) with city-wide performances across 10+ venues, uniting 15,000+ participants in 2025.
• Unique Attractions: Virtual reality guitar lessons via festival app, allowing remote attendees to learn from masters; eco-friendly stage at Plaza de la Corredera powered by solar panels; “Guitar Walk” through the Jewish Quarter with live music at historic sites like the Synagogue.
• Film Screenings and Talks: Screenings of documentaries on Paco de Lucía, Andrés Segovia, and flamenco history at Filmoteca de Andalucía (July 6–10, 5:00 PM); panels on guitar innovation, AI in music, and sustainable lutherie, streamed to 5,000+ online viewers.
• Crafts and Food Market: 50+ stalls in Plaza del Potro (July 3–12, 11:00 AM–9:00 PM) offering handmade guitars, Andalusian ceramics, leather goods, and local tapas like salmorejo and flamenquín, with live music enhancing the ambiance.
• Sustainability Events: Eco-workshops on recycled instrument crafting; tree-planting drives with EcoCórdoba; “Green Strings” concert (July 10) using sustainable guitars, attended by 2,000+ in 2025.
• Digital Integration: Live-streamed concerts and workshops on teatrocordoba.es; AI-driven playlists matching attendee preferences; 2026 adds QR-coded programs for real-time schedules.

Date & Duration

• Dates: July 3 – July 12, 2026 (46th edition, projected from 2025’s early July schedule, aligning with Córdoba’s summer tourism peak and Patio Festival synergy).
• Duration: 10 days, with morning workshops (10:00 AM–2:00 PM), afternoon street events (5:00 PM–9:00 PM), evening concerts (8:00 PM–11:00 PM), and late-night Noche Blanca (July 12, until midnight).
• Key Schedule: Opening gala July 3; workshops July 4–11; competitions July 7–8; youth day July 5; street performances daily; closing Noche Blanca July 12.

Venue / Location

• City: Córdoba, Spain, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for the Mezquita-Catedral, Roman Bridge, and flower-filled Patios, with a 1,000-year history of music and craftsmanship rooted in its Islamic, Jewish, and Christian heritage.
• Main Venue: Góngora Theater (Calle Jesús y María, nº 10 E, 14003 Córdoba), a 500-seat historic venue hosting main concerts, competitions, and masterclasses, known for its acoustics and Andalusian architecture.
• Secondary Venues: Gran Teatro (700 seats, alternate concerts); Plaza de la Corredera (open-air eco-stage, 2,000 capacity); Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos (family concerts in gardens); Casa Árabe (exhibitions); Filmoteca de Andalucía (screenings).
• Notable Areas: Jewish Quarter for “Guitar Walk” with stops at the Synagogue and Casa de Sefarad; Plaza de las Tendillas for pop-up shows; Patios de Córdoba for intimate recitals; Puente Romano for evening ambiance; Medina Azahara ruins for optional tours.
• Google Maps Address: Góngora Theater, Calle Jesús y María, 10, 14003 Córdoba, Spain (37.8798° N, -4.7794° W) – central festival hub.

Ticket Information

• Ticket Sales: Online at teatrocordoba.es/festival-guitarra-cordoba (from May 1, 2026); phone +34 957 48 02 37 (Spanish/English, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM); on-site at Góngora Theater box office (July 3–12, 10:00 AM–8:00 PM); tourist offices in Plaza de las Tendillas.
• Admission: Main concerts $16–$44 USD (€15–€40); workshops $11–$22 USD (€10–€20); competitions $5.50 USD (€5); street performances and exhibitions free; Noche Blanca free with wristband.
• Pricing: Minimum $0 (street events); maximum $165 USD (€150, full festival pass with VIP access); average concert $27 USD (€25); workshop $16 USD (€15).
• Packages: 5-concert pass $66 USD (€60); family bundle $33 USD (€30) for 2 adults + 2 kids; student/senior 50% off with ID; group rates for 10+ (20% off); early bird until June 15, 2026 (15% discount).
• VIP Options: Premium pass $165 USD (€150) includes front-row seats, backstage artist meet-and-greets, guided luthier tours, and priority masterclass access; limited to 50 passes daily.
• Submission Fees: Competition entries $11–$33 USD (€10–€30) via comunicacion@guitarracordoba.es (deadline June 1, 2026); scholarships for low-income participants.
• Note: Cashless payments via festival app or card; no refunds post-June 30; wristbands for Noche Blanca available on-site; 2025 sold 95% of 10,000 tickets.

Contact Information

• Email: comunicacion@guitarracordoba.es (general inquiries, submissions); comunicacion@teatrocordoba.es (ticketing); prensa@teatrocordoba.es (press inquiries).
• Phone: +34 957 48 02 37 (Spanish, English, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM; WhatsApp for instant queries).
• Website: https://teatrocordoba.es/festival-guitarra-cordoba (full programme, ticket portal, live streams, artist bios).
• Social Media: @FestivalGuitarraCordoba (Instagram, Facebook, X, YouTube, TikTok) for concert clips, artist announcements, and live Q&As; 2025 reached 35,000+ followers with 10,000+ engagements.
• Key Staff: IMAE Festival Director (contact via comunicacion@guitarracordoba.es); press coordinator (prensa@teatrocordoba.es); volunteer coordinator via website.
• Press/Volunteers: Press accreditation via prensa@teatrocordoba.es (deadline June 2026); 250+ volunteer roles (ushers, tech, hospitality) open April 2026 via website form.
• Response Time: 24–48 hours for email; instant via WhatsApp; social media within 12 hours.
• Language Support: Spanish, English; French, Portuguese, and Italian for international guests; on-site interpreters during competitions.

Cultural Experience

• Guitar Immersion: Celebrates the guitar’s diversity with 35+ concerts spanning flamenco, classical, jazz, and Latin genres, evoking Córdoba’s Andalusian soul through performances in historic venues like Góngora Theater and Alcázar gardens.
• Intercultural Exchange: Masterclasses and competitions connect 250+ students and professionals from Spain, Latin America, Europe, and Asia, fostering collaborations like 2025’s Spanish-Brazilian choro-flamenco fusion, attended by 2,000+.
• Córdoba’s Heritage: Events in UNESCO sites like the Mezquita-Catedral’s shadow and Jewish Quarter blend music with 1,000 years of Islamic, Jewish, and Christian history; Patios host intimate recitals, drawing 5,000+ for cultural immersion.
• Youth Engagement: Free kids’ workshops teach flamenco rhythms and basic chords, engaging 600+ families in 2025; youth competitions award €15,000 in scholarships to conservatories, nurturing talents like 2025 winner María Gómez.
• Sustainability Focus: Solar-powered stages, biodegradable programs, and recycled guitar exhibits align with EcoCórdoba’s goals; 2026’s “Green Strings” concert uses sustainable instruments, reducing emissions by 20% from 2025’s 1.5 tons CO2.
• Nightlife and Festivity: Noche Blanca de la Guitarra (July 12) transforms Córdoba into a city-wide stage with 50+ performances, uniting 15,000+ in plazas and patios; flamenco tablaos in local bars extend the vibe.
• Artistic Integration: Film screenings on Paco de Lucía and Andrés Segovia at Filmoteca de Andalucía; exhibitions of guitar art at Casa Árabe; panels on AI in music composition draw 1,500+ attendees.
• Community Connection: Local artisans sell guitars and ceramics at Plaza del Potro; 1,000+ volunteers and 50+ schools participate, with free concerts for residents boosting community pride.

Food & Drinks

• Salmorejo Cordobés: Creamy chilled tomato soup with ham, a festival staple ($4–$7 USD) at Plaza del Potro stalls.
• Flamenquín: Breaded pork roll with fries, popular during concerts ($5–$8 USD).
• Rabo de Toro: Slow-cooked oxtail stew, a hearty Andalusian dish ($8–$12 USD).
• Montilla-Moriles Wine: Local fortified white or sherry-style, paired with flamenco shows ($4–$6 USD/glass).
• Berenjenas con Miel: Fried eggplant with honey, a vegetarian favorite ($4–$6 USD).
• Pastel Cordobés: Puff pastry with sweet pumpkin filling ($2–$4 USD).
• Non-Alcoholic Options: Tinto de verano mocktail (grape juice and soda, $2–$3 USD); horchata de chufa ($3 USD).
• Eco Features: 90% locally sourced ingredients; biodegradable plates and cups; free water stations with reusable bottles; vegan and gluten-free options available.

Getting There

• Nearest Airport: Seville-San Pablo (SVQ, 130 km), with high-speed AVE trains to Córdoba ($15–$30 USD, 45 minutes); Málaga-Costa del Sol (AGP, 140 km) as alternative.
• Public Transport: AVE trains from Madrid to Córdoba ($30–$60 USD, 1.5 hours); local Aucorsa buses from Córdoba station to Góngora Theater ($1.50 USD, 10 minutes); Renfe Cercanías to city center ($2 USD).
• Taxis/Rideshare: Taxis from SVQ ($80–$100 USD); Uber/Bolt within Córdoba ($5–$10 USD); local taxi +34 957 76 44 44.
• Driving: A-4 highway from Seville/Madrid (1.5–3 hours); parking at Góngora Theater and Plaza de la Corredera ($10 USD/day, 300 spaces total).
• Walking/Biking: 10-minute walk from Córdoba train station to Góngora; BiciCórdoba bike rentals ($2 USD/hour) with stations near Plaza de las Tendillas.
• Accessibility: Wheelchair ramps at all venues; free shuttle buses for PSH from train station; audio guides for visually impaired; contact +34 957 48 02 37 for accommodations (book 7 days prior).

Accommodation Options

• Luxury: Hospes Palacio del Bailío (historic palace, $200–$350 USD/night); Parador de Córdoba (modern with Mezquita views, $180–$300 USD/night).
• Mid-Range: Eurostars Conquistador (near Mezquita, $100–$150 USD/night); NH Collection Amistad Córdoba (Jewish Quarter, $90–$140 USD/night).
• Budget: Hostal La Fuente (central, $40–$70 USD/night); Airbnb in Patios district ($50–$80 USD/night).
• Boutique: Balcón de Córdoba (rooftop views, $120–$180 USD/night); Las Casas de la Judería (patio setting, $110–$160 USD/night).
• Hostels: Funky Córdoba Hostel (vibrant, $25–$45 USD/night); Al-Katre Backpacker ($20–$40 USD/night).
• Rural Stays: Casas Rurales in Montilla or Hornachuelos ($50–$80 USD/night); camping near Sierra de Córdoba ($20–$40 USD/night).
• Group Options: Hostal Maestre for 10+ ($30–$50 USD/person); university dorms for student groups ($25 USD/night).