1st
May |
International Labor Day
International Labor day. A national holiday in Spain. |
3rd
May |
Moros y Cristianos
Moros y Cristianos ("Moors and Christians") carnival at Pampaneira (Alpujarras). |
15th
May |
Holiday in Granada
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20th
May |
Death of Columbus
501st anniversary of the death of Columbus. |
29th
May |
Corpus Christi
The nun, Juliana of Liege, used to have a strange vision every time she began to pray, in which a full moon appeared with its centre darkened by shadow. Finally, Jesus himself told her of the significance of the vision: the bright circle signified all liturgical celebrations and these were only darkened by the absence of a feast day dedicated to the exaltation of the actual presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Official recognition of the feast day was given in 1246. The new feast day arrived in Spain sometime during the 14th century. In the procession, the main feature is the Host, housed in magnificent masterpieces of silverwork. |
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May |
Dia de la Cruz
Crosses of flowers are set up throughout the village of Cieza, in Murcia, on Dia de la Cruz or Holy Cross Day. |
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May |
Festival de los Patios Cordobeses
Cordoba, Andalucia. This centuries-old festival includes: the pilgrimage of the conquering Virgin of the Linares Sanctuary across the countryside with horsemen and richly decorated coaches; a competition of Mary Crosses; and a patio, iron grille and balcony contest in which the patios, side-streets and plazas are filled with flowers. |
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May |
Cruces de Mayo
In Granada and Cordoba it's the festival of the Cruces de Mayo where large crosses adorn parishes and the locals party in the streets. The famous Feria del Caballo, Jerez's Horse Fair is also this month.
Up in Madrid it's the world's largest bullfight festival plus plenty cultural events and parties as Madrileños celebrate San Isidro, the Patron Saint of the capital. |
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May |
Mariana Pineda
Mariana Pineda was a revolutionary from Granada who was sentenced to death by King Fernando VII. The day is celebrated on the central square Mariana Pineda but is not a holiday. |
