Cruces de Mayo & Chavikos contest

Guadix is preparing to stage its 2026 Cruces de Mayo and Chavicos contests from April 30 to May 3 under the city’s annual Cross festivities. (cope.es) COPE Guadix reported on April 27 that the contests will award prizes of up to 400 euros. A separate COPE update on April 24 placed the Chavicos gathering on May 1 at 6:30 p.m. in Plaza de la Constitución. (cope.es 1) (cope.es 2) The Ayuntamiento de Guadix says the contests are open to residents of Guadix and its outlying districts, with entries allowed from individuals or groups. The city also allows crosses installed in streets, homes, commercial premises, balconies and shop windows. (guadix.es) In Guadix, Cruces de Mayo means decorated crosses set into patios, plazas and neighborhood corners at the start of May. The city’s tourism page describes bars and food stalls around the displays, with local dishes served during the celebration. (guadix.es) Chavicos are the children’s counterpart to that tradition. Guadix describes them as miniature Holy Week floats built and carried by groups of children, with small images and brass-and-drum music echoing the city’s Semana Santa processions. (guadix.es) The event is not new to the city calendar. Guadix’s municipal website has archived earlier editions with cash awards for crosses and separate categories for originality, craftsmanship and sustainability in the Chavicos contest. (guadix.es 1) (guadix.es 2) A 2021 city recap said 31 crosses and chavicos were entered that year, giving a sense of the scale these neighborhood competitions can reach. This year’s edition now returns with the same mix of street decoration, children’s processions and municipal prizes. (guadix.es)