FLORES DE MAYO and the SANTACRUZAN

The month of May, a summer month in the Philippines, brings to mind Flores de Mayo festival. And where there is Flores de Mayo, we always look forward to the glitter and glamour of the Santacruzan.

Santacruzan is a colourful pageant parade or procession held on the last day of Flores de Mayo (last day of May) – considered as the culmination of the Flores de Mayo festival. It is a Filipino tradition which is held to commemorate the finding of the true cross of Christ in Jerusalem by St. Helena of Constantinople (Reyna Helena – mother of Constantine the Great).

Santacruzan Origin

Legend has it, 300 years after the death of Christ, Queen Helena set forth for the Cavalry (the site of the crucifixion) in Jerusalem to find the real cross of Christ. After some archeological diggings, they found 3 prospective crosses. To find the real one, a sick servant was asked to lie on all 3. The one which healed the servant was identified as Christ’s cross. Santacruzan is the celebration held in honor of this.

Flores de Mayo Festival in Southern Luzon, Philippines

There are several ways this tradition is celebrated depending on the place where it is held. This article, however, focuses on the one held in Southern Luzon as it is one of the more famous one.

In the province of Batangas, Flores de Mayo begins on the first day of May where devotees flock to the local church (or chapel) every night to offer flowers and prayers to an image of Mary. This nightly troop to the chapel lasts for a month until the Tapusan (ending) which is marked with a Mass, then Santacruzan.

Santacruzan is always the highlight of the celebration. The town’s prettiest lass are paraded on the main streets in long gown like princesses to the tune of the brass band playing “Dios te Salve, Maria”. Each girl represents a queen or a reyna. The highlight of the parade and is traditionally placed at the very end is Reyna Helena.

The Reynas

Below are some of the Reynas that you’ll often see parading in the Santacruzan:

• Reyna de los Ángeles (Queen of Angels) – holds a bouquet of white flowers and usually escorted by two little angels.
• Luklukan ng Karunungan (Seat of Wisdom) – holds a Bible.
• Reyna de las Estrellas (Queen of the Stars) – holds a wand topped with a star.
• Rosa Mystica (Mystical Rose) – holds a bouquet of roses.
• Pusó ni María/Corazón de María (Heart of Mary) – holds a pink heart.
• Reyna del Santísimo Rosario (Queen of the Most Holy Rosary) – holds a large rosary.
• Reyna de los Confesores (Queen of Confessors) – holds a scroll.
• Reyna de la Páz (Queen of Peace) – holds a dove, real or otherwise.
• Reyna de las Flores (Queen of Flowers) – holds a bouquet of flowers.
• Reyna Emperatríz (Queen Empress) – holds either a cross or nothing and is escorted by a Constantino.
• Reyna Elena (Queen Helena) – holds a small cross or crucifix and is escorted by a Constantino.

Ave Marias

Some processions includes eight (8) little girls in white dresses. They are usually placed in front of the line, with each one holding a letter of the words “AVE MARIA.”

Known as the “Philippine Queen of all Festivals”, Santacruzan is perhaps the most beautiful and colorful parade of the year. This is not one to miss when you visit the Philippines in the Month of May.

Today…

Recent adaptations of this procession involves floats and sometimes Filipino actors and actresses.

Article: Pinoy Stop