A Chapel at the Meeting Point of Four Villages

At the border of Almogía, Álora, Cártama, and since 1848, also Pizarra (Málaga), stands the Ermita de las Tres Cruces. This spot marks where the lines of four municipalities intersect—literally. Since 1722, a modest chapel has stood here. It began as a wooden structure and has become a well-known spot for locals, musicians, and fans of tradition.

Why Three Crosses?

Two stories explain the name. One says it refers to the three paths that cross here. Another, more somber, tells of a fire in the wooden chapel where three family members died. Both stories exist side by side, as is often the case with local tales. What is clear: this place has been a religious and social hub for centuries.

Verdiales Music and Vineyards

The chapel once served as a meeting place for farm workers. Work was divided here, but music was also played. On December 28 and June 24, verdiales music filled the air—a traditional style rooted in the region. The winter and summer solstices were not just astronomical events but reasons to celebrate.

During San Juan, an auction was held. The highest bidder earned the honorary title of “mayor” of a verdiales group. The money raised went straight to maintaining the chapel. Afterwards, musicians toured local farms, collecting donations through song and dance—a kind of musical fundraiser long before the term existed.

The 1943 Rebuild: Chickens, Eggs, and Devotion

After the Spanish Civil War, the chapel fell into disrepair. In 1943, residents of the four villages came together to rebuild it. Contributions ranged from labor and money to eggs and chickens. This community effort gave the chapel a new life—and new statues, including Christ on the cross and Saint John the Baptist.

Until the 1960s, the chapel remained a lively center for verdiales. Then things quieted down. The region emptied, and the chapel risked falling apart again.

1992: Four Groups, One Goal

In the early ’90s, four verdiales groups—Palmitos de Almogía, Los Lagareños de Pizarra, Las Tres Cruces de Cártama, and Peña de Álora—revived the tradition. In 1992, they met at the chapel ruins. What started as a reunion turned into a festival drawing thousands.

The date was moved from December to the first Sunday in May for better weather and bigger crowds. Smart move.

Reconstruction and Recognition

With help from the Diputación de Málaga and the four villages, the chapel was rebuilt between 1994 and 1995. Not with concrete or steel, but with memories, rhythm, and community spirit. Until 1998, the Asociación Verdialera de los Cruces organized events. After that, the Fundación Cultural Ermita de las Cruces took over.

Today: Music, People, and Big Crowds

What started as a simple wooden chapel serving three parishes is now the stage for one of Málaga province’s biggest verdiales festivals. Every year, thousands gather at the Ermita de las Tres Cruces to sing, dance, and keep their heritage alive.

It’s not a museum or a monument. Just a chapel with history, guitars, and a lot of pride.

(c) photo and source: www.malaga.es