At the end of April and the start of May, Córdoba’s squares and courtyards are filled with large crosses covered in flowers, pots and embroidered shawls. The Cruces de Mayo is a neighborhood festival, with music, tapas and a lot of atmosphere.
What are the Cruces de Mayo?
The Cruces de Mayo (May Crosses) are tall crosses decorated with flowers, plants and Manila shawls, set up in patios and squares around the city. The official tourism website describes the festival as a competition, the Concurso de Cruces de Mayo, and mentions a flower parade known as the Batalla de las Flores.
Neighborhood associations and social clubs set up bars next to the crosses, serving typical tapas and drinks, and the evenings have sevillanas music and dancing.
When is it?
In 2026 the official tourism website lists the Cruces de Mayo as running from 29 April to 3 May 2026. A calendar site estimates 29 April to 3 May for 2027, but that is an estimate until the city publishes the programme.
A calendar site also lists the Battle of Flowers, a carnation parade on the Paseo de la Victoria, for late April.
Where to go
The official tourism website recommends the neighborhoods of San Basilio, San Andrés, Santa Marina, San Agustín and the city centre. The council publishes a map and programme for the event each year, which is the best way to plan a route between the crosses.
Tips
The festival mixes well with the Patios Festival that follows it, so you can combine them in one trip. Evenings are the liveliest time, with bars and music open late.
Expect crowds in the small squares. Go earlier in the day for photos and later for the atmosphere.
Our photos
We photographed two of the crosses: one in the Plaza del Potro and one in Plaza de las Tendillas, surrounded by flower beds. The crosses are set up in squares and patios across the city.
Sources
Sources: Córdoba Tourism: Cruces de Mayo; Explore Córdoba: events. Information checked on 1 October 2026.
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