Fiestas de la Creueta to enjoy Alfaz del Pi
Fiestas de la Crueta in Alfaz del Pi are, without a doubt, a great opportunity to have fun and discover some of the traditions of the town. In this amazing microcosm of society that is the Marina Baixa we are blessed not only with fine weather (generally) but fine food, beautiful country and seaside, the mysteries of the Mountains that surround us, all wrapped up in the incredible history, stories, beliefs and cultures that have continued around this area for centuries.
Don’t miss this one particular festival in Alfaz Del Pi the “Fiestas de la Creueta” basically translates as “The Festival of the Cross”. The Fiestas started in Spain in Granada in 1625 and in Andalucía to this day, they hold competitions to see who can make the finest crosses (Penyas) and the best decorations of Patios and courtyards, streets and shop windows.
History of the festivities
It is rooted in the belief, for the search of the cross that Jesus of Nazareth was crucified on. This was a dream had by Constantine 1st (306-337AD) in his 6th year of reign while confronting an army of Barbarians across the banks of the River Danube.
He dreamed he saw a cross in the sky and by the side of it the words “In hoc signo vincis”. Of course all you Latin Scholars will know that this means “With This Sign, You shall be Victorious”.
The next morning he instructed carpenters to make a huge Cross and display it in front of his army. They were totally outnumbered of course but Constantine was victorious!
After the victory Constantine was christened and ordered Christian churches to be built. However, he sent his mother Helena (now Saint Helena), to find “The True Cross” along with the new churches “wisest Priests”.
On Calvary Hill (the alleged site of the crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth), she found 3 “Bloodied Logs'' and legend tells us that she placed each of these logs over sick or infirmed people (allegedly even dead people?) one by one the “True Log” cured them or brought them back to life. It is of course why we have belief or not as the case may be.
Enjoy Alfaz del Pi with Costa Blanca Investments
In this day in Alfaz Del Pi it’s all happening over the weekend as all the Fiestas do here. There are stalls lining the roads, banners and flags flying (no doubt we’ll have some pictures here later) there are processions, music interludes, art displays (our own AnneLise Johannessen has a painting there) and if you’re hungry, toddle over to the paella stall where our very own Dino will be handing out portions of “Street made Paella”, a word of warning, there are only 650 rations of this delicious Paella so come early.
Thanks to Constantine I and the resurrection of the Fiestas de La Cruetta we are able to enjoy a wonderful day of heritage and fun today.
Image: alfas.es Alfas del Pi - Portal informativo
