The Cordobés Hat is traditionally made in Córdoba, Spain. It has been worn throughout the southern province of Andalucía since the seventeenth century.

In Andalucía it is known simply as the wide brimmed hat.  It is made of wool, with a wide flat brim, and a low cylindrical crown. While there is no standard measurements, the crown can vary in height from 10 to 12 cm, and the brim from 8 to 12 cm. The most popular color is black, but others such as red, pearl grey, green, marine blue, brown, beige, tobacco, and ivory are also often worn.

The Feria, in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain.

The Cordobés Hat is an essantial part of the traditional costume in the world of flamenco, bull fighting, the equestrian arts, and all of the popular festivals from the south of Spain.  It has historically been a man’s hat, but nowadays women also wear it as an accessory to their flamenca costumes.

Manolete, famous bull-fighter and Juanito Valderrama, Flamenco singer.

The Cordobés Hat has been worn by many famous people, such as Flamenco singer Juanito Valderrama and the legendary bull fighter, Manolete.  The Beatles, more familiar to North American audiences,  donned this traditional hat during their visit to Spain and most recently, Bob Dylan wore a grey Cordobés hat while performing in concert.  A fan in Brazil ran on stage and tried to take the hat from his head but stole a kiss instead. Read the news article here. Watch the video on YouTube.

The Beatles in Spain, and Bob Dylan in a recent concert.

The Cordobés Hat has become an icon for the related Spanish art forms flamenco and bull fighting. In particular, the flamenco song forms of Garrotin and Tangos de Malaga are often danced using the Cordobés Hat as a prop. In the photo below, Michelle dances a Garrotin in the performance Imagenes del Oriente from Cafe de Chinitas, one of many events that have been held at Edie Hats.

Michelle dances Garrotin with a Cordobés Hat.

Sources:
http://wikanda.cordobapedia.es/wiki/Sombrero_cordobés
http://www.flamencoexport.com/todo-flamenco/sombreros/sombrero-sevillano-lana.html

Editorial by Elemente Magazine

Edie wearing her Cordobés with veiling, velvet ribbon, and Smart Tart roses.

Tags: Andalucía, BC, Córdoba, Cordobés Hat, Edie Hats, Granville Island, Net Loft, Spain, Vancouver