Celebrations, Traditions and History of the Dia de la Cruz in Granada
The Día de la Cruz (Day of the Cross) or Cruces de Mayo (festival of the May crosses) is celebrated in Granada on May 3rd and is one of the most popular festivals in Andalusia.Every year, thousands of visitors come from all over Spain to experience this fiesta in Granada.
The festival was first celebrated in Granada in the XVII century, when an alabaster cross was erected in 1625 in the district of San Lázaro, and all the locals celebrated by singing and dancing around it.
The tradition continued in the most popular districts of Granada, like
Albaicin and
Realejo. Children began to build small
altars with a cross and decorate them with pottery and copper objects.
Many of these traditions live on to this day. One of them is the placing somewhere in the decorations of the Cross of an apple with a pair of scissors inserted into it. This is done so as to try to avoid any criticism that might be made of the decoration of the Cross.
On this joyous day it is common to find all over Granada women and children wearing the typical andalusian dress. Also beautiful andalusian horses will parade in the streets.
Every year the City Council runs a competition to promote this tradition,
in which there are four categories: patios (courtyards), streets and squares, shop
windows and schools.
Thousands of carnations will decorate the 62 crosses that compete for the prize this year.
The aroma of so many flowers perfumes Granada and invites people to enjoy such a special day.
The atmosphere is unmatched. The Granadines, adults and children alike walk around the city visiting various crosses, dancing and celebrating this way such an important day in Granada.
You should visit the Albaicín, where crosses every year get the best prizes: Plaza Larga,
Casa de los Pisas o calle Zafra.
The cross at the Corrala de Santiago, in Realejo is also a winner for the "patios" section of the competition.
Enjoy the atmosphere at the historic centre: plaza del Carmen or plaza Bib-Rambla and sorroundings, where different stages are erected near the cross for the flamenco performances that take place during the afternoon and evening on the 3rd of May, día de la Cruz in Granada.
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Opinions about the Day of the Cross
A lovely atmosphere throughout Granada
We thouroghly enjoyed watching the flamenco danced by
all different age groups. We were made welcome and a Spanish lady tried to explain how the dancers
moved their hands so elegantly. It was my birthday and it all made it a very special one to remember (Addy).
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