May is a month of celebration across Spain, when cities dress up in colour and music to honour their most cherished traditions.
In Granada, Valencia and Badajoz, the streets come alive with flowers, devotion, and festivities.
Join us as we explore the most iconic May festivals in these cities and experience how local culture is truly lived.
Granada: The Crosses of May – A Burst of Colour, Tradition and Community Spirit
In Granada, 3rd May is no ordinary day. It transforms the city into an open-air museum, where creativity, devotion and joy come together to celebrate the Día de la Cruz — one of the most beloved festivities for Granadinos.
A Bit of History: Why Is It Celebrated?
The tradition dates back centuries. The veneration of the Holy Cross stems from Christian tradition, commemorating the discovery of the cross of Christ by Saint Helena in the 4th century.
In Granada, by the 17th century, this devotion had become a popular and festive event, with families and brotherhoods setting up beautiful altars in their patios and squares centred around a flower-decorated cross.
Over time, it evolved from a purely religious celebration into a vibrant expression of local identity, showcasing the artistry and spirit of each neighbourhood.
What Will You See on 3rd May?
From early morning, the city’s historic districts burst into life. Patios, streets, and even shop windows are transformed with spectacular floral crosses, surrounded by Manila shawls, ceramics, wrought iron decorations and traditional objects reflecting Granada’s history.
The most stunning crosses enter a municipal competition, where creativity and authenticity are celebrated.
Must-Visit Neighbourhoods
ALBAICÍN
Discover hidden patios adorned with crosses amidst cobbled streets and whitewashed houses.
REALEJO
Formerly the Jewish quarter, known for its beautifully crafted crosses and festive spirit.
ZAIDÍN AND LA CHANA
Popular districts with lively music, food stalls, and a more contemporary vibe.
More Than Just Crosses…
- Flamenco performances and local choir singing next to the main crosses.
- Pop-up taverns offering local tapas and wine.
- Street parades and folk dance groups, especially in the evenings.
- Locals donning traditional Andalusian costumes, dancing Sevillanas right on the streets.
When to Go
- Official Date: Saturday, 3rd May 2025.
- Best Time: From late morning until nightfall — the crosses light up beautifully at dusk and the celebration continues late into the night.
Local Tip
Wear comfortable shoes, bring your camera fully charged, and wander aimlessly — the true magic lies in what you discover along the way. And don’t miss the chance to try a plate of broad beans with ham and a cold beer at one of the pop-up taverns!
Valencia: Our Lady of the Forsaken – A Celebration Close to the Heart
In Valencia, Our Lady of the Forsaken (La Mare de Déu dels Desemparats), affectionately called La Geperudeta, isn’t just the patron saint — she is part of our soul.
Her feast is held on the second Sunday of May, and in 2025 that falls on 11th May, turning the historic centre into a vibrant scene of devotion, tradition and collective pride.
Why Do We Celebrate?
It all began in the 15th century, when the city created the Confraternity of ‘Nostra Dona dels Innocents i Desamparats’, dedicated to caring for the most vulnerable: orphans, the sick, prisoners. This is the origin of the image of the Virgin, known as the Geperudeta because of her leaning forward posture, a symbol of closeness to those who suffer.
Since then, this figure has become the symbol of Valencian compassion, and his festival is a collective act of devotion that mixes the religious with the profoundly human.
How do you experience the festivity?
During that weekend, the city vibrates. The squares are filled with flowers, falleras dressed in their traditional costumes, dolçaina i tabalet music, gunpowder, dances, and above all, emotion.
Main events in 2025:
- Friday 9 May:
- Popular dance in the Plaza de la Virgen, with the participation of falleras and traditional dance associations.
- Saturday 10 May:
- Great fireworks display in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento at midnight (00:00 h).
- Sunday 11 May (big day):
- 05:00 h – Mass of Descoberta: in the Basilica, intimate and moving.
- 08:00 h – Children’s Mass: presided over by children, very symbolic.
- 10:30 h – Transfer of the Virgin: from the Basilica to the Cathedral. The image moves forward among thousands of people who cry, sing and throw petals. This is undoubtedly the most emotional moment.
- 14:00 h – Mascletà: an explosion of gunpowder and excitement in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento.
- 17:30 h – General Procession: through the historic centre amidst music, flowers and applause.
What makes it so special?
This is not just a religious event: it is a manifestation of collective love. To see the transfer of the Virgin is to experience one of the most intense moments in the Valencian calendar. There is silence, tears, cheers, and an atmosphere of unity that connects the whole city like few times a year.
Moreover, if you are a culture lover, it is a perfect occasion to enjoy regional costumes, traditional dances, music bands and a Valencia that proudly shows the deepest part of its roots.
Badajoz: San Isidro, the festival that unites the countryside and the city
In Badajoz, May smells of the countryside, of tradition and shared joy. The Pilgrimage of San Isidro Labrador is one of the most beloved festivals by the people of Badajoz, because it not only celebrates the patron saint of farmers, but it is also a perfect excuse to reconnect with the land, the family and the customs.
This year, 2025, the pilgrimage will take place on Sunday 18 May, as it has been moved to the weekend closest to the official day, 15 May.
Who was Saint Isidore and why is he venerated?
San Isidro was a humble farmer from Madrid in the 12th century, known for his deep faith and for the miracles attributed to him, such as making water spring from the earth with a stick. His devotion quickly spread throughout rural Spain, and Badajoz, with its strong agricultural and livestock farming roots, adopted him as a symbol of work, humility and protection of the countryside.
How Does Badajoz Celebrate?
The celebration starts in the morning, with locals preparing for a day of pilgrimage in the Tres Arroyos area, on the outskirts of the city. The streets are filled with colour with decorated carts, decorated horses, sevillanas and a festive atmosphere.
Tradition dictates that you go as a family or group, prepare a good meal outdoors and enjoy the day surrounded by nature, music and Extremaduran hospitality.
Programme and highlights (Sunday 18 May 2025):
- 10:00 h – Mass in honour of San Isidro, in the Tres Arroyos area.
- 11:30 h – Procession of the saint: his image is carried on a platform from the church to the pilgrimage site, accompanied by drummers and riders on horseback.
- All day long:
- Tasting of typical dishes: migas extremeñas, gazpacho, tortilla, sausages.
- Live music: Sevillanas, rumbas and local folklore groups.
- Competition of floats and traditional costumes.
- Children’s activities and traditional games.
An atmosphere that cannot be explained, it is lived
What makes this festival special is its spontaneity and warmth. You don’t have to be a devotee to enjoy it: all you need is the desire to have a good time and let yourself be carried away by the relaxed, happy, family atmosphere. People dance, drink and sing. And you share – because in Badajoz, in San Isidro, nobody is a stranger.
Local tip
Arrive early to get a good shady spot, bring your own food or join one of the many peñas open to the public, and don’t forget a camp chair. And if you’re up for it, add to the atmosphere with a scarf around your neck or a sombrero – you’ll fit right in!
Conclusion: Experience May Like a Local
May isn’t just springtime — in Granada, Valencia and Badajoz, it’s when traditions blossom and are shared with pride.
From the colourful May Crosses in the squares and alleys of Granada, to the collective fervour of the Geperudeta in Valencia or the joyful country atmosphere of San Isidro in Badajoz… this month beats to the rhythm of popular culture, of the emotions experienced in community.
At Turia Hotels, we believe that travelling is much more than just sightseeing: it is connecting with the authentic, with the people, with the customs that define a place. That’s why we are waiting for you with open doors, so that you can experience May from the inside, with comfort, proximity and that special touch that characterises us.
Discover what makes May special when you experience it from the inside.
Come, feel the atmosphere, share the joy and let yourself be looked after like at home.
At Turia Hotels, you are invited.
