Day of the Cross (May Crosses)
Around 3 May Granada fills its streets, squares, courtyards and shop windows with crosses of carnations decorated with shawls, ceramics and copper.
When
Next: Monday, May 3, 2027.
On 3 May, the Day of the Cross. The crosses are usually also on display the day before.
Last time: May 2 to 3, 2026.
What it is
The Day of the Cross is one of Granada's best-loved festivals. Residents, brotherhoods, shopkeepers and schools put up crosses covered in flowers, usually red carnations, and surround them with Manila shawls, pieces of ceramics, copper pots and other traditional decorations.
The custom was already very much alive in the early 20th century, when the children of the Albaicín and the Realejo set up small altars with crosses in the street and asked passers-by for a "chavico", the popular name for a small coin, for the cross.
Today the City Council runs a competition for crosses in several categories, including streets and squares, courtyards, shop windows and schools, and organises a programme of music and dance in the city centre. The festival opens with a proclamation speech and the prize-giving in the courtyard of the City Hall.
Where
All over the city, with a special atmosphere in the centre, the Albaicín and the Realejo. There are crosses in streets and squares, in the courtyards of houses and buildings, in shop windows and in schools. The municipal programme of music and dance is concentrated in the Plaza del Carmen, the City Hall courtyard, the Plaza de las Pasiegas and the esplanade of the Palacio de Congresos.
Customs and traditions
The thing to do is to go from neighbourhood to neighbourhood visiting the crosses, step into the courtyards opened for the occasion and stop for a drink beside them. Many crosses come with tables of food and drink, sevillanas and music.
The traditional decorations include shawls, ceramics, copper and a pair of scissors stuck in an apple.
FAQ
When is the Day of the Cross in Granada?
On 3 May. The crosses can usually also be seen the day before.
What is the "chavico for the cross"?
The custom of children setting up small crosses and asking passers-by for a coin, a chavico, for their work.
Is there a competition for crosses?
Yes. The City Council runs a competition in several categories, including streets and squares, courtyards, shop windows and schools.
What are the crosses decorated with?
With flowers, mainly carnations, and with shawls, ceramics, copper and other traditional objects.