About Andalucía. provincial fiestas. granada may crosses

All of the Granada festivities are rooted in the military and political event of the Conquest of Granada by the King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella. The Monarchs passed all kinds of legislations in order to get rid of all signs of the Arab culture which had existed for so long, and little by little they introduced new Christian ceremonies.

This is why festivities and celebrations in Granada are very rich and full of Christian, Arab and Jewish traditions.

What to do in our destinations?
Beaches around our hotels
Andalucía’s stunning heritage of art and architecture
Holydays, festivals
y fiestas and other celebrations
Local maps and
how to get there
Golf in Andalucía

May Crosses

The Granada May Crosses are one of the best known festivities in Andalusia. Granada in the most famous Andalusian university city and therefore it has the right atmosphere to hold local festivities.

The origin of the May Crosses dates back to 1625 when an alabaster Cross was erected in the district of San Lázaro and a celebration went on with dances.
At the beginning of the 20th century the districts of El Albaicín and El Realejo were adorned with little altars made by the children and decorated with ceramic pots, Manila shawls and presided by an imposing Cross. Children used to get some pocket money for erecting these altars.

May Crosses

At present this festivity is held throughout the city and every, shop, patio, square, etc, is adorned with a Cross. A Cross contest is held by the Council in the city. The idea is to make a Cross adorned with red carnations and placed next to a decorative element used everyday by the citizens.