Velez Malaga Legacy of kings and May Crosses

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May Crosses and the legacy of Kings in Velez-Malaga

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Here is the essential information about the May Crosses and the legacy of the kings in Velez-Malaga :

• A few words about Velez-Malaga and these celebrations
• The dates and programme of the May Crosses
• Legacy of kings parade with map
• Where is Velez Malaga?
• What to do in Velez-Malaga?
• Booking accommodation
• Some useful links

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A few words about Velez-Malaga and the May Crosses

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Velez Malaga is the capital of Axarquia, in the province of Malaga. It is a small town with an incredible historical and artistic heritage.

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The May Crosses in Velez-Malaga

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The May Crosses in Velez-Malaga was declared in 2020 : Provincial Tourist Singularity Festival.

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Make the most of your holiday on the Costa del Sol and discover Andalusia with these 8 day trips departing from Malaga (Torremolinos, Estepona or Benalmadena).

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As you will see below, this date is very special for the people of Velez-Málaga.

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It is a very old celebration: originally it was to commemorate the discovery by Saint Helena, mother of the emperor Constantine, of the true cross of Jesus Christ during her pilgrimage to Jerusalem.

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May crosses are often made with red flowers. In the Roman rite, this festival linked to the Passion of Christ was celebrated with red.

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The legacy of the Catholic Kings in Velez Málaga

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Legacy of kings parade with map

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In Velez-Malaga there is an important historical fact linked to the Cruz de Mayo.

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Velez-Malaga was taken over by the Catholic kings on 27 April 1487.

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However, King Ferdinand wanted to wait until the day of the Holy Cross, 3 May, to be handed the keys of the city by the Nasrid governor Abul Casin.

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Until that day, Velez Malaga was called Madinat Balish (مدينة بلش).

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This historical fact is unique, Velez Malaga is the only city in Spain whose incorporation into the Crown of Castile is linked to the date of the Holy Cross.

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For this reason, Velez-Málaga was known as Vélez-Málaga de la Cruz from the 15th to the 17th century!

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2025 Dates and programme of Cruz de Mayo in Velez-Málaga

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This festival is of historical, ethnological and cultural interest.

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3 May- 07:00 PM : Parade through Velez Málaga retracing the history of the entry into the city by the Catholic Kings. 

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This year, the route will take place on Saturday 3 May, with the start in Avenida Vivar Téllez from 7pm. The finish will be at the Cruz del Cordero.

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2025 Programme :

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Between 26 April and 3 May: several festivities will take place, and of course you should go for a walk to see the twenty or so crosses on display in the town.

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3 May: awards for the most beautiful “.cruces de mayo” in Velez Malaga

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Where is Velez Malaga?

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What to do in Velez Malaga?

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In the surroundings of the village, it is possible to find very nice activities:

• horse riding, on the beach or in the mountains
• diving in Nerja and Torrox
• guided tours (villages of Axarquia, Cordoba, Alhambra,…)
• via ferrata (Caminito del Rey,…)
• hiking (El Saltillo with the hanging bridge,…)
• canyoning (in the rio Verde,…)
• astrotourism
• snorkeling
• visit and Nerja Cave ticket

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Use the following link to access all the activities to do. during your holidays. This link provides you with all the details of each activity.

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Booking accommodation

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Below you will find a direct link to the available accommodation in Velez Malaga. Simply enter the desired dates.

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If you have a car and want to be in a quiet area, just a few kilometers from Vélez, here are two places I recommend:

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• la Rana Azul guest house

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Some useful links (car hire, other ideas for visits)

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Easy and economical bookings

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• hire car

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And finally, here are some other experiences to do Malaga province :

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Discover other great places in Andalucia in the Andalucia blog pages.

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