Do you want to experience the May crosses in Granada? Don't miss all the details of this popular tradition and join this colourful celebration.
The Day of the Cross is one of the most deeply-rooted popular festivities in Granada and its province. This festivity takes place on the 3rd of May, but it is common for the celebration to last for a few days longer.
Why do we celebrate the Day of the Cross? It is a religious tradition that commemorates the date on which the Church dates the discovery of the cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified. However, its popular nature makes it a festival that transcends religious tradition.
The origin of the May crosses in Granada dates back to the 17th century. It was in 1625 when an alabaster cross was made for the first time in the neighbourhood of San Lázaro, around which the locals sang and danced.
This celebration became a tradition that was extended to other neighbourhoods such as the Albaicín and the Realejo, giving rise to the construction of small decorated altars with manila shawls and ceramic and copper objects by the youngest children.
These children also started another of the traditions of this festivity, asking for donations for the crosses with the popular phrase: ‘un chavico para la cruz’
Some of these traditions are still preserved today. For example, one of the most representative is the placing of an apple with a pair of scissors stuck in it; it is said that this is so that no one will ‘buts’ at the decoration of the cross.
But what really characterises the May crosses is their decoration. Granada handicrafts (such as pottery and ceramics) should not be missing, but also typical plants from Granada's courtyards (such as geraniums and pilistras), embroidered manila shawls and some copper utensils.
Granada celebrates the Day of the Cross on Saturday 3 May 2025, although the celebration will begin on the afternoon of Friday 2 May. On these dates, the streets and squares of the city are decorated with crosses decorated by the locals. With bright colours and music, a good mood reigns among locals and visitors alike.
Crosses competition One of the great attractions of the May crosses for the people of Granada is the competition organised by the City Council, in which around 40 crosses take part.
The registration period was open from 17 March to 4 April. All citizens of Granada can participate and there are different categories: streets and squares, patio, shop windows and schools.
Once the deadline has passed, a commission will evaluate the projects presented, which must meet certain requirements:
The cross must be at least 200 centimetres high (with proportionate arms).
The floral composition must have carnations for the most part.
The decoration must have, necessarily, typical Grenadian handicrafts and plants.
In front of the cross a space of at least 8-10 square metres should be reserved for decoration.
The music must be traditional Andalusian, especially from Granada (reja, vito and others).
The crosses will be set up from 08:00 hours on 30 April and, from 16:00 hours, the jury will visit them in order to judge them.
Due to their tradition, the neighbourhoods of the Albaicín and the Realejo are usually ideal for enjoying the crosses.
The crosses of Plaza Larga or the Casa de los Pisas are very famous, as well as all the Cármenes that open their doors so that we can enjoy their exquisite decoration. In the second case, the Campo del Príncipe and the Patio de los Perfumes are places not to be overlooked at this time of year.
What other spaces are not to be missed? The crosses in the squares of Carmen and Bib-Rambla -which are very close together- are the highlight of the celebration. You can also see original decorations and enjoy musical performances in the Cathedral and Las Pasiegas.
Typical gastronomy on the Day of the Cross
On a festival as popular as the Day of the Cross, you can't miss the good gastronomy of Granada. Eating in the bars set up for the occasion, but also in the bars and restaurants of the capital, is a perfect plan to celebrate this day.
Take the opportunity to try a dish from the Alpujarras or a fried fish and add a sweet touch to a day of celebration with the typical piononos from Granada.
Tips for enjoying the May crosses in Granada
To make the most of the May crosses in Granada, take note of these tips:
Book in advance, both your accommodation and in bars and restaurants, because it is a festival in which both locals and visitors want to be in the streets.
Getting up early will allow you to enjoy the crosses without the crowds.
From the Hotel Alhambra Palace we invite you to enjoy one of the most colourful festivities in Granada, with a unique atmosphere in the whole city!
