Saint Raphael's Day
On 24 October Cordoba honours its guardian, Saint Raphael, with Mass at the Church of the Oath and the traditional countryside perol. A local holiday.
When
Next: Saturday, October 24, 2026.
On 24 October every year.
What it is
Saint Raphael is the guardian of Cordoba and his feast day, 24 October, is a local holiday in the city. According to tradition, in 1578 the archangel appeared to the priest Andrés de las Roelas and swore to him that he was the city's guardian. In memory of that oath, the Church of the Oath of Saint Raphael was built at the end of the 18th and beginning of the 19th century, near San Lorenzo.
Devotion to the archangel can be seen all over the city: the triunfos of Saint Raphael, columns and monuments topped by his figure, stand in squares and next to the Roman Bridge. In May, on the 7th, the City Council also includes a floral offering to the archangel in its calendar.
Where
Religious services are held at the Church of the Oath of Saint Raphael, near San Lorenzo. The perol takes place in the countryside and the sierra, above all in the Los Villares forest park.
Customs and traditions
In the morning many Cordobans visit the Church of the Oath. Around midday, families, friends and peñas head out to the countryside for the perol, a soupy rice dish cooked outdoors, washed down with Montilla-Moriles wine.
FAQ
When is Saint Raphael's Day in Cordoba?
On 24 October, a local holiday in the city.
What is the San Rafael perol?
The countryside meal on Saint Raphael's Day: a soupy rice dish cooked outdoors, traditionally in places like Los Villares.
Where is the Church of Saint Raphael?
The Church of the Oath of Saint Raphael is near San Lorenzo.