May Crosses in Almería
Brotherhoods, associations and schools put up crosses of fresh flowers around the city and compete in the municipal crosses and mayas contest.
When
The 2027 dates have not been published yet.
Between late April and the first weekend of May; the exact dates are set each year by the City Council.
Last time: from April 23 to May 2, 2026.
What it is
The May Cross, also known as the festival of the Mayos, celebrates the arrival of spring and draws on ancient rites devoted to nature. In Almería's tradition a young woman dressed in white and crowned with flowers, the maya, represented the month of flowers.
Today the festival is led by the Holy Week brotherhoods, residents' associations, social clubs and school parents' associations, which set up their crosses in streets and squares. Every year the City Council holds a crosses contest, with categories for schools, associations and brotherhoods, and another contest for mayas.
Where
The crosses are spread across different districts of the city, next to the premises of the brotherhoods, associations and schools that set them up. Bars decorated with flowers are also set up on the Mirador de la Rambla.
Customs and traditions
The contest rules require the crosses to be made with fresh flowers and decorated with copper, wood, ceramics, shawls and embroidery. Around them people create scenes with typical Almería items: guitars, pots of geraniums, ceramic plates, copper pans, lanterns, fans and Manila shawls.
A curious custom is to place open scissors stuck into an apple, 'to cut the buts', that is, the criticism of anyone who comes near the cross. The crosses are meeting places with music and traditional food such as gurullos, wheat stew, migas and sweets.
FAQ
Who sets up the May crosses in Almería?
Brotherhoods and confraternities, residents' and cultural associations, and school parents' associations.
Is there a crosses contest?
Yes. Every year the City Council holds a May crosses contest, with three categories, and another for mayas.
What is the maya?
A young woman dressed in white and crowned with flowers who, in Almería's tradition, represents the month of May.
Why are there scissors in an apple next to the cross?
It is a custom meant to 'cut the buts', that is, the criticism of anyone who comes near the cross.