Festivity of the crosses in Granada

Dear guest, if you visit us during the month of May, do not hesitate to visit Granada, since on May 3rd one of the most popular festivals in Andalusia takes place in Granada: the day of the Cross.

This festival, which attracts thousands of visitors from all over Spain each year, has pagan and Christian origins.

It seems that the first celebrations in Granada of the Day of the Cross as they are known today date from the XVII century.

In 1625 an alabaster Cross was made in the San Lázaro neighborhood and all the residents of the area celebrated it by singing and dancing with it.

Later, the tradition continued in the most typical neighborhoods, such as Albayzín and Realejo, and the children began to build small altars decorated with Manila shawls, ceramics and copper objects.

At present, many of these traditions are preserved, among them that of placing somewhere on the altar a "but" (that's how golden apples are called in Granada) with scissors stuck in, so that "buts" are not put on the line. Cross.

On Cross Day in Granada it is common to find children and adults dressed in flamenco costumes enjoying the crosses, traditionally made with carnations, throughout the city.

In the municipal contest, very different crosses compete in Granada that are framed within four categories: streets and squares, shop windows, schools and courtyards.

On the same day, May 3, the awards are presented in a beautiful ceremony in which the official proclamation is read.

In short, it is a typical Andalusian holiday that you will surely enjoy. I hope you can enjoy this day and go with the whole family.