Jaén May Crosses

The May Crosses are one of the most emblematic events of spring in Jaén. Every year the Municipal Board for Culture, Tourism, Festivities and Historic Heritage calls the contest, entered by residents' associations, brotherhoods, parishes and other groups that decorate courtyards, squares and façades with flowers and local ornamentation.

The rules require crosses at least 180 centimetres tall, decorated on all four sides, with natural decoration and features of Jaén identity such as traditional crafts or ceramics. The Lola Torres Choir and Dance Association helps choose the jury. Alongside the crosses, the City Council organises the Children's Processions, with groups of young people up to 18 years old following an official route through the centre.

The crosses are set up in streets, squares, courtyards and façades in different districts of the city; the City Council publishes a link with their locations. The children's processions follow an official route that starts in calle Maestra and passes through plaza de la Audiencia.

The jury visits the crosses over the two days and judges natural decoration, variety of flowers, colour, Jaén-identity ornamentation, originality and use of the surroundings. Prizes range from 300 to 700 euros, with four 150-euro runner-up awards.

On 1 May it is the young people's turn: in the children's processions the groups parade in uniform with music played by the youngsters themselves, and the City Council gives a grant to each participating group.