Posted at 05/18/2010 4:02 PM | Updated as of 05/18/2010 4:08 PM
MANILA, Philippines – It’s the month of May, and already, towns and cities across the Philippines are holding their version of the Flores de Mayo (Flowers of May) and Santacruzan (Festival of the Holy Cross).
Held in honor of the Virgin Mary, the Flores de Mayo was believed to have started in Malolos, Bulacan in 1865.
The Santacruzan, on the other hand, depicts the search for the Holy Cross by Queen Helena (Reyna Elena), mother of the emperor Constantine the Great. It is held on the last day of the Flores de Mayo in the month of May.
Women dressed in terno act as “reynas” or “sagalas” and are escorted during the procession by men clad in barong Tagalog. They walk underneath elaborately decorated arches and are escorted by a band and men and women praying and holding lit candles.
Among the “reynas” are Reyna Esperanza (Queen Hope), Reyna Justicia (Queen Justice), and Reyna Abogada (Queen Lawyer), which represent the various characteristics of the Virgin Mary. However, the Reyna Elena (Queen Helena) role is usually given to the most beautiful girl in town.
The Flores de Mayo and Santacruzan are not just held in towns these days. Malls also mount the event.
As part of its grand celebration for its 50th year, Araneta Center will hold a Grand Santacruzan on Saturday, May 22.
This year’s Santacruzan at Araneta Center is said to be grander and more elaborate. The celebration, to kick off at the south gate of Araneta Coliseum, will start with a Holy Mass followed by the Santacruzan procession to be participated in by this year’s Binibining Pilipinas contestants as well as other beauty queens.
Aside from representing the characteristics of the Virgin Mary, the sagalas will also represent select Araneta Center establishments and some Quezon City barangays. There will also be participants depicting how Filipinos celebrate other fiestas such as Masskara, Sinulog, Ati-Atihan, Panagbenga, and many more. A magnificent fireworks display will follow.
Held in honor of the Virgin Mary, the Flores de Mayo was believed to have started in Malolos, Bulacan in 1865.
The Santacruzan, on the other hand, depicts the search for the Holy Cross by Queen Helena (Reyna Elena), mother of the emperor Constantine the Great. It is held on the last day of the Flores de Mayo in the month of May.
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| Bb. Pilipinas-International 2009 Melody Gersbach with consort, celebrity chef Tristan Encarnacion, in last year’s Grand Santacruzan at the Araneta Center. Credit: Araneta Center |
Among the “reynas” are Reyna Esperanza (Queen Hope), Reyna Justicia (Queen Justice), and Reyna Abogada (Queen Lawyer), which represent the various characteristics of the Virgin Mary. However, the Reyna Elena (Queen Helena) role is usually given to the most beautiful girl in town.
The Flores de Mayo and Santacruzan are not just held in towns these days. Malls also mount the event.
As part of its grand celebration for its 50th year, Araneta Center will hold a Grand Santacruzan on Saturday, May 22.
This year’s Santacruzan at Araneta Center is said to be grander and more elaborate. The celebration, to kick off at the south gate of Araneta Coliseum, will start with a Holy Mass followed by the Santacruzan procession to be participated in by this year’s Binibining Pilipinas contestants as well as other beauty queens.
Aside from representing the characteristics of the Virgin Mary, the sagalas will also represent select Araneta Center establishments and some Quezon City barangays. There will also be participants depicting how Filipinos celebrate other fiestas such as Masskara, Sinulog, Ati-Atihan, Panagbenga, and many more. A magnificent fireworks display will follow.
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