Dia de la Cruz

May 03: Dia de la Cruz

Dia de la Cruz

Also known as The Fiesta de las Cruces (“Festival of the Crosses”) or Cruz de Mayo (“May Cross”), this holiday is celebrated in many parts of Spain and Hispanic America. The origin stems from the search by the Byzantine Empress Saint Helena for the cross on which Jesus died mixed with pagan rituals to celebrate the end of winter.

Customs include decorating tall crosses with fresh flowers, fruits, and shells on street corners and squares. The crosses may also have a symbolic pair of open scissors and many include a half-smoked cigar, a chair, a glass of sherry, and an apple. People dress in flamenco and gypsy clothing. Everyone partakes in drinking and dancing (even in the streets).

⇴ image from Gerardo nuñez, wikipedia, (CC BY 3.0), top lightened

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