Tradition says that a Cross made in alabaster was erected in the neighbourhood of San Lázaro in 1625 being cellebrated with dancing.
At the beginning of the 20th centuries children used to build little altars with a Cross in the neighbourhoods of Albaicín and Realejo. They decorated them with Manila shwals, pieces of pottery, copper pans and a "pero" (a type of apple) with a scissor stuck in it. Around it, the children used to beg for the "chavito" (diminutive for "ochavo", an old Spanish coin).
It is one of the main fiestas here in Granada and it takes place on the 3rd of May. It is probably one of the only fiestas that doesn't have a strong religious connection. Although the main symbol is obviously a religious one.
On Dia de la Cruz many people erect crosses all over the city. Each cross must have a specific content. It is necessary to have a cross, a half-smoked cigar, a chair, a glass of fino sherry and an apple with a pair of scissors driven through it. Most of the crosses are surrounded by typical Andalusian objects such as copper plates, geraniums, religious icons etc.
The Dia de la Cruz is a hedonistic day, the women dress in their flamenco dresses and everybody wanders from cross to cross drinking fino sherry and possibly dancing to the music which is played from all the "chiringitos" (makeshift bars).
María S.
