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.