The celebrations of the Most Holy and True Cross of Caravaca de la Cruz

The celebrations from 1-5 of May in Caravaca de la Cruz attract thousands of visitors each year, with roots based on tradition, culture and religious fervor. Declared as International Touristic Interest, the celebrations offer a great variety of acts where music, history and devotion come together. In the following article, we will describe in detail all the events that take place in these 5 days: 

May 1st

Mass and flowers offering to the Most Holy and True Cross

The journey starts in the town hall’s plaza, with the presence of the Most Holy and True Cross' Brotherhood, the Festivities Comitee, the Christian and Moor's sides, and the Wine Horses beside the general public to start the ascent to the Sanctuary; followed by the celebration of a Mass to award the new brothers or "cofrades" with their crosses. 

The "Caballos a Pelo" contest

In the afternoon, the concentration of the Wine Horses in the Paco Pim's plaza takes place, starting their route towards the Wine Hoses' Plaza for the "Caballos a Pelo's contest".

May 2nd

Parades of equestrian clubs and the Wine Horses
On the morning of May 2nd, a parade begins at the Plaza del Templete, winding through various city streets before returning to the starting point.

Parade of christians and moors
At midday, the Christian contingent begins its parade from the Plaza del Templete, followed by the Wine Horses group, which joins the procession toward the Basilica-Sanctuary of the Santísima y Vera Cruz. The route includes iconic streets and culminates with the Blessing of the wine and flowers.

Wine Horses race and costume contest
In the afternoon, after the Blessing, the exciting Wine Horses race begins on the final stretch of the Castle hill, featuring an 80-meter incline with a 14% grade. This is a key moment when the different clubs compete, showcasing their horses decorated with intricately handmade mantles.

Solemn procession of the Santísima y Vera Cruz
To end the day, a solemn procession transports the Santísima y Vera Cruz from the Sanctuary to the Parish of Salvador, where it is placed on display for veneration.

May 3rd

Grand children’s parade of moors and christians
At midday on May 3rd, the Moorish and Christian groups participate in a children’s parade, beginning at the Plaza Paco Pim and ending at the Plaza Nueva—a spectacle perfect for families and young ones.

Ritual of the bathing of the Cross and blessing of the waters
In the late afternoon and evening of May 3rd, the ritual of the Cross’s bathing takes place at the Templete-Bañadero, followed by a procession to the Parish of Salvador, where the Sacred Relic is displayed for adoration. The event concludes with a fireworks display.

May 4th

Children’s parade of the Wine Horses
In the morning, children enjoy a parade that ends at the Royal Basilica-Sanctuary, where trophies are awarded to the youth equestrian clubs.

Grand parade of moors and christians
In the afternoon, the long-awaited parade of Moors and Christians takes place, followed by another spectacular fireworks display.

May 5th

Cross of the ailing
The last day of the Most Holy and True Cross festivities begins with the revered relic carried under a canopy to visit the sick and infirm, making stops at significant sites like the Monastery of Nuestra Señora del Carmen.

Final procession
In the afternoon, the True Cross is escorted back to the Basilica-Sanctuary, where the ritual blessing of the city and surrounding fields is held. The festivities conclude with the traditional midnight "trueno gordo" (grand thunder), signaling the close of the celebrations.

The Most Holy and True Cross' festival in Caravaca is a vibrant expression of the city's culture and faith. Through its masses and parades, a rich tradition is kept alive, inviting everyone to participate and celebrate in an atmosphere of unity and devotion.