Day of the Cross in Nerja

The Day of the Cross takes place on the 3^rd of May. During this day Nerja exhibits in many parts of the town spectacular crosses as an altar adorned with natural flowers. These works are usually the creations of neighborhood groups. Therefore, they are totally handmade. Usually the floral cross appears together with other decorative elements (manila shawls, symbols of Nerja, palm leaves, etc).

The municipal cross of Nerja is exposed in the Plaza del Balcón de Europa in front of the El Salvador Church. The rest of the works can be visited at: Gloria St, Diputación St, Antonio Millón St, Chaparil St, Nueva St, Joaquín Herrera St, Buganvilla St, Jorge Guillén St and on Pescia Avenue. Also at Iglesia Square belonging to Maro.

The crosses on display can be visited in the afternoon and completely free of charge. Throughout the day the jury that qualifies which cross will be the winner goes to each point of the town where a floral altar is exposed. For this, the jury takes into account the decoration of the work (highlighting in this case the use of natural flowers), the variety of flowers used and the setting that surrounds the cross. It should be noted that the jury is made up of members of the Nerja Festival Commission. After the valuation, three crosses are awarded with an amount of money or vouchers exchangeable to support the local commerce of Nerja. The prizes are usually 200, 150 and 100 euros.

It should be noted that in certain neighborhoods of Nerja this festival is lived more intensely. The neighbors accompany the tradition with music, decorations and food in the middle of the street. For example, the Barrio de Las Protegidas, Calle Parras and Calle Carretas (located 500 metres from the Balcony of Europe). Also in other parts of Nerja live music concerts are held in honor of this day. Specifically, various performances of traditional dances take place on the Balcony of Europe.

The food offered to visitors is usually typical Nerja products: medlars, sweet potatoes bathed in cane syrup and much more. It is also a tradition to offer paella.

In short, this celebration is committed to the preservation of the tradition of Nerja . In addition, it is a celebration in which numerous Nerja Associations participate, for example: Neighborhood Associations, Maro Home and Social Centre and of course, the Nerja City Council. Without a doubt, the Day of the Crosses is worth enjoying. Art and tradition united in a local festival.