May Crosses

The May Crosses are the first big festival of the month. Residents' associations, peñas, religious brotherhoods and groups of friends set up crosses covered in carnations in squares, streets and courtyards, surrounded by pots of geraniums, Manila shawls and other traditional decorations. Next to each one there is usually a stage for singing and dancing and a bar for a drink.

The custom is rooted in old spring celebrations, when decorated trees were planted in the squares in May; over time those trees became crosses. In past centuries neighbours went out to the countryside to gather flowers to build them, and children would carry small crosses on boxes through the streets asking for a few coins.

The City Council has run a contest since 1925, with prizes in three categories: historic centre, modern districts and enclosed spaces. The city's own Cross stands in Plaza de las Tendillas, which also hosts the Dance Academies Showcase during those days.

In squares, streets and open spaces in the neighbourhoods, both in the historic centre and in the modern districts and outlying areas, and in some enclosed venues. The city's Cross is set up in Plaza de las Tendillas. Among the most traditional are the crosses at Plaza del Pozanco, Cuesta del Bailío and Plaza de la Lagunilla. Every year the City Council publishes a leaflet with the location of the crosses.

The custom is to go "de cruces": walk around several squares, see how each cross has been built, have a local wine and some Cordoban food at the bars and stay a while for the music. At night the fun carries on in the neighbourhoods. Many crosses are set up by religious brotherhoods and residents' associations, which also use the festival to raise funds.