Since the early hours of Saturday, the streets of Granada have been filled with families and groups of friends, all heading to the approximately fifty crosses distributed throughout the city. The festival, which runs from May 2nd to 3rd, is a key event in the Granadan calendar, known for its family-friendly and popular character.
As the day progresses, the pace of the celebration intensifies, with groups moving between the different crosses, debating where the best flamenco music is playing. Central areas such as Plaza Nueva, Bib-Rambla, and Realejo are already showing a large influx of people, both residents and visitors, many of whom take the opportunity to enjoy paella near the crosses.
“"There's a great atmosphere, especially around Pedro Antonio, with young people but also many children. Lots of chorizo and bacon are eaten… and rebujito flows freely because it's well-priced."
The great success of the festival has led the Granada Local Police to implement intermittent traffic cuts in the busiest areas of the center. These cuts, activated "on demand" in spots like Carrera del Darro and the section of Reyes Católicos between Puerta Real and Isabel la Católica, aim to manage crowd density and ensure the safety of attendees. Authorities have clarified that these are not permanent closures but flexible measures adapted to the street situation.
Amidst the hustle and bustle, there are also those experiencing the festival for the first time. A group of university students, recently arrived in the city, expressed their surprise and curiosity about the atmosphere, highlighting the music and warmth as distinctive elements of the day. They noted fewer full flamenco dresses, attributing it to the high temperatures, and emphasized the abundance of flowers in hair and shirts.
