May Crosses in Granada

What is this celebration about?

The May Crosses in Granada are a popular celebration that takes place during the first week of May in the city of Granada. During this festivity, the streets of the city are filled with colorful crosses decorated with flowers and ornaments, and various cultural and gastronomic activities are organized.

During the May Crosses celebration in Granada, contests are organized to choose the most beautiful and original crosses. Participants decorate their crosses with colorful flowers, mantillas, lanterns, guitars, and other ornaments, creating an explosion of joy and color in the city streets. The apple cannot be missing from every altar, 'but' in local terms, to avoid criticisms from visitors.

In addition to the decoration of the crosses, during the festival, you can taste typical dishes and drinks from the region, such as Alpujarra wine, tapas, and typical sweets from Granada. Music and dance shows, parades, and activities for children are also organized, making the festival an event for the whole family.

The May Crosses in Granada are a popular festival that represents the joy and celebration of spring. If you visit Granada during this time of year, you cannot miss this colorful and exciting celebration.

The contest

Every year, during the celebration of the Day of the Cross in Granada, contests are organized in which educational centers, neighborhood associations, brotherhoods, and anyone who wishes to compete can participate in one of the four categories: Streets and Patios, Showcases, School- College Premises.

In addition to the contests, the City Council also prepares a variety of music and dance performances in places such as the Plaza del Carmen, the Plaza de las Pasiegas, and the Patio del Ayuntamiento.

Origins

The tradition of the May Crosses in Granada dates back to the 17th century when crosses began to be erected in the courtyards of houses and in the city squares as a show of gratitude for spring and the arrival of good weather. Over time, this custom was consolidated and became a popular festival that today attracts thousands of visitors every year from all over Spain.

What to see in Granada

Granada is a city full of history and culture, with a wide variety of places to visit. Some of the main tourist attractions that you cannot miss are:

• The Alhambra and Generalife: Undoubtedly, one of the main tourist attractions of Granada, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The Alhambra is a complex of palaces, fortresses and gardens built during the Muslim era of Spain, which represents a masterpiece of Islamic architecture and art.
• The Albaicín neighborhood: It is one of the oldest and most emblematic neighborhoods of Granada, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1994. It is located on a hill in front of the Alhambra, and is famous for its narrow cobbled streets, Moorish houses and impressive views.
• The Cathedral of Granada: It is one of the masterpieces of Spanish Renaissance architecture, built on the site of the former main mosque of Granada. Its interior houses numerous works of art, such as the Royal Chapel, where the tombs of the Catholic Monarchs are located.
• The Royal Chapel: Located next to the Cathedral of Granada, it is the burial place of the Catholic Monarchs, Isabella and Ferdinand, as well as their daughter, Juana la Loca, and her husband, Philip the Handsome.
• The Science Park: It is a center for scientific dissemination located in the city center, which features numerous interactive exhibitions, a planetarium, an aquarium and botanical gardens.
• The Carthusian Monastery: It is a 16th century monastery located on the outskirts of Granada, which features an impressive baroque church and a Renaissance cloister decorated with frescoes and stuccoes.
• Plaza Bib-Rambla: It is one of the most emblematic squares of Granada, located in the historic center of the city, surrounded by cafes and restaurants. It is famous for its central fountain, its arches and for being the place where the flower market is held.

In addition to these places, Granada also has numerous museums, theaters and art galleries, as well as a wide range of restaurants and tapas bars, where you can taste the delicious local cuisine. You can also explore the lesser-known neighborhoods and streets of the city, to discover its authentic charm and personality.

What to eat in Granada

Granada is known for its delicious cuisine, which combines influences from Arab and Mediterranean cuisine. Here are some dishes and drinks that you cannot miss during your visit:

• Tapas: In Granada, it is very common for free tapas to be served with drinks in bars and restaurants. Tapas can range from a simple olive to more elaborate dishes, such as patatas bravas, croquettes, meatballs in sauce, Russian salad, among others.
• Tortilla del Sacromonte: It is an egg omelet filled with lamb brains and accompanied by fried peppers and garlic. It is a typical dish of the Sacromonte neighborhood, and is considered a local delicacy.
• Andalusian Gazpacho: It is a cold soup made from tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onions, garlic, olive oil and vinegar, which is perfect for hot summer days.
• Fava beans with ham: It is a dish of fresh fava beans cooked with ham, garlic, onion and olive oil. It is a typical dish of Granada's cuisine, especially during the fava bean season.
• Piononos: They are typical sweets of Granada, made with a sponge cake base, filled with cream and sprinkled with cinnamon. They are a delight that you cannot miss.
• Wine from the region: Granada has several denominations of origin, such as D.O. Granada, D.O. Montes de Granada and D.O. Contraviesa-Alpujarra, which produce excellent quality wines. In addition, you can also taste the famous wine of the region, the wine of the Alpujarra, which is made from the Pedro Ximénez grape.

The cuisine of Granada is one of the main reasons to visit the city, so do not hesitate to enjoy all these dishes and drinks during your stay.