May Crosses in Granada

The tradition of the May Crosses has its roots in the 4th century AD with Saint Helena, mother of the Byzantine emperor Constantine. After her conversion to Christianity, Helena devoted herself to the search for sacred relics, her most important find being the Cross of Christ (the True Cross) on Mount Calvary, around the 3rd of May.

The Catholic Church did not officially establish the Dogma of the Holy Cross until the 17th century, also known as the Invention of the Holy Cross (from the Latin invenio, "to discover"). Although the feast fell out of use in many places following the liturgical reform of 1960 under Pope John XXIII, in Andalusia — and especially in Granada — it kept its vital importance.

The celebration may well have earlier pagan roots. The Church historically sanctified existing popular festivals to ease conversion. The May Crosses connect with Roman celebrations welcoming spring, such as the Arbor Intrat, in which tree trunks were decked with ribbons and garlands for processions to the temple of the goddess Cybele.

This blending of traditions explains why the May Crosses combine religious elements (the cross) with a springtime celebration of flowers and nature.

In Granada, the first May Cross celebration took place in 1625, when the San Lázaro neighbourhood commissioned an alabaster cross. The whole neighbourhood gathered to celebrate with dancing and singing, establishing the festive pattern that survives today.

The Cross of Campo del Príncipe, built in 1640 and paid for by the residents of the Realejo, is the most iconic example. This monumental cross was intended to sanctify emblematic squares and sites, a practice widespread across the city during the Baroque period.

In 1682 it was moved to its current location and a crucified Christ was added, known as El Cristo de los Favores ("Christ of the Favours"). The people of the Realejo grew so devoted to it that, according to local belief, divine intervention spared the neighbourhood the plague that ravaged Granada.

The tradition evolved from simple monumental crosses into true community altars. Neighbours became progressively more involved in decorating them, turning a plain cross with candles into elaborate displays where the cross is surrounded by copper cauldrons, Manila shawls and traditional earthenware.

A distinctive touch: in Granada the crosses are traditionally made from red carnations, considered the most authentically local flower for celebrating spring.

The cross at Plaza de las Pasiegas is one of the most famous and simply not to be missed. Its prime location right next to the Cathedral, together with the quality of its floral display, makes it a benchmark year after year.

Plaza del Carmen is home to another of the main crosses, benefiting from its central location and the City Council's active involvement. Plaza Bib-Rambla also keeps up its own decorated cross as tradition dictates, with live music throughout the afternoon and evening.

The Corrala de Santiago stands out for its unique architectural setting, which sets off the floral decoration beautifully. In the Albaicín, the crosses at Plaza Larga and the Casa de los Pisas make the most of the Nasrid-era surroundings to create truly exceptional scenes.

The cármenes (traditional Granada villas with walled gardens) open their doors during the May Crosses, eager to be photographed, offering the rare chance to step into these historic private gardens that are normally closed to the public.

The crosses of the Albaicín come with the added bonus of a historic Nasrid backdrop, ideal for photography and a fully immersive cultural experience.

Four official competition categories

Granada City Council funds competitions that reward the prettiest and most original crosses across four different categories:

21 crosses in streets and squares (main category)

12 crosses in shop windows (business participation)

15 crosses in schools (educational involvement)

21 crosses in courtyards (domestic tradition)

This structure lets the whole city take part, from shops to schools and individual families. Roughly 60 altars in total turn Granada into an open-air flower museum on the 3rd of May.

Participation by brotherhoods and religious associations

Granada's Hermandades and Cofradías (religious brotherhoods) also set up their own altars, decorating their premises, brotherhood houses and churches. Not all of them take part, but those that do let anyone, member or not, enjoy their displays.

This tradition links the May Crosses to Granada's popular religiosity, building bridges between the springtime celebration and Christian devotion.

During the May Crosses, some parts of the city set up street bars to create a festive atmosphere, especially in Plaza del Carmen and Campo del Príncipe. With sevillanas playing for dancing, every drink comes with a typical Granada tapa.

Nowadays, only a handful of crosses are allowed to set up bars, and only after requesting permission from the City Council, to prevent misuse of public space and later complaints. This regulation keeps the balance between festive tradition and public order.

For children, performers, comedians, mimes and clowns gather in Plaza Bib-Rambla, putting on open-air shows. This family-friendly programming turns the May Crosses into a celebration for all generations.

Children's entertainment tends to be concentrated in the middle of the day, while the music and adult atmosphere picks up in the late afternoon and evening.

The weekend of the May Crosses is rounded off with La Noche en Blanco ("White Night"), a cultural event running from 8pm to 4am. Granada dresses itself in culture so that locals and visitors alike can enjoy the longest night of the cultural calendar.

The programme includes activities for all ages, guided visits, live music and endless other cultural offerings. Local businesses take an active part, creating a uniquely festive, cultural atmosphere.

The pairing of the May Crosses with La Noche en Blanco makes for an exceptional cultural weekend where popular tradition and contemporary programming come together beautifully.

DISCOVER THE BEST OF GRANADA DURING THE MAY CROSSES

Granada Tours offers guided experiences during the May Crosses that combine history, tradition and privileged access to crosses and special locations. Our specialist official guides know the full story, from Saint Helena right through to today's local traditions.

Access to private cármenes, explanations of the symbolism and traditions, small groups for a personalised experience, and insider knowledge of the best times and locations to visit.