The celebration of S.Croce is the most important event of the year and it is celebrated on September 14th.
The day before, 13th, the traditional candle light procession takes place in honour of the highly revered Volto Santo statue of Christ, an image blackened with age (Lucca citizens hold that Nicodemus himself, present at the crucifixion, carved it from a Lebanon cedar). The solemn procession, in which civil and religious authorities and the company of crossbowmen of Lucca and of other Tuscan cities take part, marches to the church of san Martino where the "mottettone", a holy composition, is performed.

On September 14th, it is a tradition for the people of the city and of the country to go to the historical centre to visit the chapel of the Volto Santo in the cathedral and pray at the feet of the sacred image. For the most devoted people it is foreseen also the trip to the seven churches. But S.Croce is also celebration of traditions, of folklore, of fairs and markets, among them the cattle fair (in Monte S. Quirico). And the birds market (once in Piazza del Carmine and now in the golena of the Serchio, in Borgo Giannotti), all with ancient origines.