The May Crosses of Córdoba are one of the most popular and deep-rooted traditions of the city. This year 2023 it is celebrated from April 27 to May 1. Every year, during the month of May, this festival is celebrated in which the streets and squares are decorated with beautiful crosses decorated with flowers and other decorative elements. In this article, we will talk about the history and meaning of the May Crosses of Córdoba, as well as some of the main attractions of this festival.
Origins and history of the Crosses May Day of Córdoba
The celebration of the May Crosses has its roots in an ancient pagan tradition that dates back to Roman times. During spring, the Romans celebrated a festival in honor of the goddess Flora, who represented fertility and the arrival of spring. During this festival, the altars were decorated with flowers and offerings were made to the goddess.
With the arrival of Christianity, the festival was adapted and began to be celebrated in honor of the Holy Cross, which according to tradition, was discovered by the Empress Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine, in the 4th century. Since then, the Cross became a symbol of Christianity and popular devotion to the Holy Cross deepened throughout the world.
In Córdoba, the celebration of the Crosses de Mayo dates back to the 18th century, when crosses began to be decorated in the patios and houses of the city. With the passage of time, the tradition will spread to the streets and squares, becoming one of the most important festivals in the city.
CRUCES DE MAYO AROUND THE WORLD
Celebration of the May Crosses in Córdoba
The celebration of the May Crosses begins the first weekend of May, when the crosses contest in which the different associations and brotherhoods of the city participate. During the contest, the originality, design and quality of the flowers used to decorate the crosses are valued.
Once the contest is over, the tour of the crosses begins. streets and squares of the city to visit the different crosses. In each of them, you can enjoy musical performances, tastings of food and drinks typical of the region and other recreational activities.
Among the most notable crosses in Córdoba is the May Cross in the Plaza de la Corredera, which is more than 150 years old and is considered one of the most beautiful in the city. Another of the most popular crosses is the May Cross on Deanes Street, which is located in the historic center of the city and has a wide variety of flowers and decorative elements.
The festival of the May Crosses in Granada
The festival of the May Crosses is also celebrated in Granada, which begins on the first weekend of May, when The crosses begin to be decorated with flowers and decorations. On May 3, Day of the Cross, a mass is celebrated in honor of the Cross, and then a procession takes place in which the crosses are carried through the streets of the city.
During the following week, the crosses are displayed in squares and streets of the city, and activities are organized such as regional dance competitions, choir and dance performances, and tastings of typical dishes of the time. In addition, the streets and squares are filled with food and drink stalls, where you can taste the delicious tapas and wines of the region.
Cruz de Mayo in Venezuela
The May Cross is a tradition deeply rooted in the popular culture of Venezuela and is celebrated annually on May 3. This festival has its roots in the Catholic religion, but it is also fused with elements of indigenous and African culture.
The festival begins with the preparation of the cross, which is decorated with flowers and placed in a prominent place in the house or community. This is followed by a singing and dancing procession around the cross.
During the procession, participants carry candles and tree branches, and Offerings are made to the cross in the form of food and drink. Traditional dances and songs are also performed, such as the joropo and the drum. Music and dancing are a fundamental part of the celebration, as it is believed that they help ward off evil spirits and attract good luck.
