Cruces de Mayo

The Festival of the May Crosses , Cruces de Mayo, takes place throughout Andalucia on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd of May ,Santa Cruz Day. The most impressive celebrations are found in Cordoba and Granada.

The festival consists of the construction of large crosses decorated with beautiful flowers in many of the city's main squares. The crosses identify distinct zones of the town which compete for the prize of the best decorated cross.

In Cordoba a temporary bar is built in the same square as each cross where the locals meet each evening for a drink and tapas and dance into the early hours.

The actual crosses which are around three metres high are made by the people of the neighbourhood, preparations take place secretly in the preceding months when women and children use this opportunity to sing and dance. Representatives from each brotherhood, cofradías, act as judges to vote on the best dressed cross, Concurso de los Cruces de Mayo. In Cordoba there are sometimes more than eighty crosses to choose from.

In Cordoba some of the best neighbourhoods to head for are San Basilio, Santa Marina and San Augustin whilst in Granada it's the Albaicín and the 'barrio' of El Realejo where the best crosses are to be found.

The temporary bars generate a good income during these few days which is used by local brotherhoods and community groups to finance various local festivals including Holy Week, Semana Santa, and the Cordoba Fair, Feria de Cordoba.

The local tourist office will give you a map, as you may need help to find the crosses.

Cordoba Tourist Office

Plaza Judá Levi

Tel: (0033) 957 200 522

Website: www.turismodecordoba.org

Download a map of Cordoba

Granada Tourist Office

Corral del Carbón

Tel: (0033) 958 221 022

Download a map of Granada

Website: www.turgranada.es

Map location of Cordoba & Granada

Where to Stay

The Cruces de Mayo is very popular with tourists in Cordoba & Granada so booking accommodation early is recommended.

If traveling to Cordoba you may be interested in Cordoba's hostel accommodation or check out some great deals on recommended hotels in Cordoba

If traveling to Granada you may be interested in Granada's hostel accommodation or check out some great deals on recommended hotels in Granada

Getting There

To get to Cordoba you are best booking a flight to Malaga, Sevilla or Granada.

To get to Granada check here for the best deals on flights

Check her if you are thinking of hiring a car, booking a train ticket or booking a bus ticket to take you to your final destination.