Las Cruces de Mayo. La Palma

Every year, with the arrival of spring on 3 May, some of the towns in La Palma come alive with festivities to celebrate the traditional Fiesta de la Cruz (Festival of the Cross). On this day, the ancient crosses along the royal paths of the eastern region’s towns are meticulously adorned. This charming spectacle is particularly notable in Breña Alta, Breña Baja, Santa Cruz de la Palma and Villa de Mazo.

For months, locals dedicate time and effort to beautify the crosses with an array of elements: flowers, coloured paper, seeds, fabrics, jewellery and more. All with the same purpose: to make the cross in their town shine brightly. In this task, imagination, teamwork and devotion are the main ingredients. Alongside the crosses, on makeshift benches, devotees hold a vigil throughout the night from 2-3 May.

Next to the crosses and sometimes also on balconies and rooftops, the ""mayos"" appear. These grotesque figures, known as ""machangos"" to the locals, depict a variety of scenes. Some reflect the island’s traditional life, while others refer to current events. This contrast of the ancient and the contemporary adds a special touch to the celebration.