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The Cross of Caravaca Festival
The Cross of Caravaca festival, also known as the Holy
Cross festival takes place in the town of Caravaca in
Spain. The festival has been taking place since the
1200's. The fiesta starts in the morning with a parade
in the Iglese. A cross is immersed in an urn which contains
wine. Surrounding the urn are flowers which absorb any
wine that is spilled. Following this, there is a race
of "Wine Horses" that wear hand decorated
blankets and head coverings. The horses race to the
Sanctuary of the Cross.
The Importance of the Caravaca Cross
The Caravaca Cross is a very important attraction to
the town of Caravaca,Spain. Its legend of being carried
through an open window by two angels to save the priest,
Chirinos from the Moors is the root of fiestas and tourism.
Visitors can see the Caravaca Cross displayed in windows,
brochures, advertisements, and in shops throughout the
town. The original cross which appeared in 1232 disappeared
right before the Spanish Civil War and has been missing
ever since. No one knows what really happened to the
Cross of Caravaca but some historians say the Knights
Templar, a secret organization who guarded the cross
may have removed it to a safe sanctuary. Caravaca was
named a Holy City by the Pope because of the Caravaca
Cross.
The Design of the Caravaca Cross:
* The crucifix depicts Jesus
on a cross with two bars. He is nailed to the upper
bar.
* Some Caravaca Crosses display two angels holding the
cross, one on each side.
* Some of the crucifixes display a crossbones and skull
at the bottom.
* Many Caravaca crosses depict the Blessed
Mother below the crucified, Jesus.
Today, the Caravaca
Cross is sold as a pendant or necklace. It is considered
by many to be a good luck charm, preventing disease
and fevers. The Cross of Caravaca is also considered
to bring financial wealth to those who display it in
their homes or wear it on a necklace.
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