Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi is a Christian feast day, or solemnity, commemorating the supreme gift of the institution by Jesus Christ of the Holy Eucharist.
Corpus Christi is one of the largest festivals in the province of Granada, Andalucía. Granada's Corpus Christi celebration originates from the reconquest of Granada city by the Catholic Kings, Ferdinand and Isabella, and is one of the main annual celebrations. It is normally held during June; however, with the dates being determined by Easter, they can vary enormously.
Corpus Christi is one of the largest festivals in the province of Granada, Andalucía. Granada's Corpus Christi celebration originates from the reconquest of Granada city by the Catholic Kings, Ferdinand and Isabella, and is one of the main annual celebrations. It is normally held during June; however, with the dates being determined by Easter, they can vary enormously.
May Crosses
The first weekend in May sees the annual celebration of 'Las Cruces de Mayo' in the city of Granada. Many smaller towns and villages will hold a scaled down version of this festival.
In the Costa Tropical, Motril always has a full programme of activities arranged, including a children's funfair, temporary bars, music and dancing.
The origins of the 'Feast of the Cross', also known as the 'Invention of the Cross', date back to the seventh century under the rule of Emperor Constantine I the Great.
In the Costa Tropical, Motril always has a full programme of activities arranged, including a children's funfair, temporary bars, music and dancing.
The origins of the 'Feast of the Cross', also known as the 'Invention of the Cross', date back to the seventh century under the rule of Emperor Constantine I the Great.
Semana Santa
The First Council of Nicaea (325AD) established the date of Easter as the first Sunday after the full moon following the vernal equinox.
The Christian Church use March 21 as the date of the equinox; therefore, in Western Christianity, Easter always falls on a Sunday between March 22 and April 25. Holy Week in Spain runs from Palm Sunday through to Easter Sunday, with schools in Andalucía returning on, what is known in the UK, as Easter Monday.
The Christian Church use March 21 as the date of the equinox; therefore, in Western Christianity, Easter always falls on a Sunday between March 22 and April 25. Holy Week in Spain runs from Palm Sunday through to Easter Sunday, with schools in Andalucía returning on, what is known in the UK, as Easter Monday.
Moors & Christians Battle
The feast of Moors and Christians, celebrated at different times of the year throughout Spain, is a symbol of remembrance of the retaking of the Iberian Peninsula from Muslim rule.
Whilst the festival in Alcoy, Alicante is probably the most well documented, the town of Vélez de Benaudalla, in the Costa Tropical de Granada, is renowned locally for celebrating this annual event in style. Each year detailed preparations are made for the celebration which is held over 4 days straddling the 13th June.
Whilst the festival in Alcoy, Alicante is probably the most well documented, the town of Vélez de Benaudalla, in the Costa Tropical de Granada, is renowned locally for celebrating this annual event in style. Each year detailed preparations are made for the celebration which is held over 4 days straddling the 13th June.
What to Do 
May Crosses
May Crosses
May Crosses
The first weekend in May sees the annual celebration of 'Las Cruces de Mayo' in the city of Granada. Many smaller towns and villages will hold a scaled down version of this festival.In the Costa Tropical, Motril always has a full programme of activities arranged, including a children's funfair, temporary bars, music and dancing.
The origins of the 'Feast of the Cross', also known as the 'Invention of the Cross', date back to the seventh century under the rule of Emperor Constantine I the Great.
It is widely believed to commemorate the discovery by Saint Helena, Constantine's mother, of the sacred wood of the true Holy Cross. It is also documented that a combining of the Roman and Gallican religious practices occurred around this time.
The various districts of Granada, known as barrios, celebrate this festival of May Crosses by decorating the many plazas, balconies, pavements and railings with vibrant floral displays.
At points throughout the city one can find intricately decorated crosses of up to 3 metres in height, that are the focal points for dancing, singing and general partying. They are made by local people in conjunction with the church and the town council normally holds a competition with a prize being awarded for the best cross. The competition is known as, "Concurso de los Cruces de Mayo". Well worth a visit are the barrios of Albaicín and El Realejo in Granada, which are the most notable for their extravagant decorations and festivities.
The various districts of Granada, known as barrios, celebrate this festival of May Crosses by decorating the many plazas, balconies, pavements and railings with vibrant floral displays.
At points throughout the city one can find intricately decorated crosses of up to 3 metres in height, that are the focal points for dancing, singing and general partying. They are made by local people in conjunction with the church and the town council normally holds a competition with a prize being awarded for the best cross. The competition is known as, "Concurso de los Cruces de Mayo". Well worth a visit are the barrios of Albaicín and El Realejo in Granada, which are the most notable for their extravagant decorations and festivities.
