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. Above, Reyna Elena (Queen Helena), represents Helena of Constantinople who found the True Cross. A Filipino community member reminded him the community should gather in times of joy as well as in sorrow. In the Philippines, devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary reaches its crescendo in May with the month-long celebration of Flores de Mayo. All Rights Reserved. Until 2019, this was in June, the supplies are brought currently in August or September beginning 2020, depending on the date set by the Department of Education. Like you, I also love flowers blooming year-round. There are several ways this tradition is celebrated depending on the place where it is held. We're excited to be part of your Filipino culture." May Lisondra, a business owner at the market, is a longtime supporter of the Santacruzan event which began in Red Beer in 2008. LOS ANGELES - The Filipino Ministry of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles will celebrate its 18th Marian Santacruzan May Crowning on Saturday, May 13 at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels. VDOMDHTMLtml> SantaCruzan | Flores de Mayo | Bulacan Sagala 2022 - YouTube Every May each year, Flores de Mayo translating to "Flower of May" is tradition celebrated in most provinces in the. And after the reading of the Gospel, a statue of the Virgin Mary was crowned and the queens, with their escorts and angels (played by children) brought flowers to her, accompanied by beautiful and solemn music. MANILA - Flores de Mayo has been one of the most anticipated festivals in the Philippines, culminated with a night of grandeur called the Santacruzan every end of May to commemorate Queen Helena's search for the Holy Cross. The custom and celebration began after the proclamation of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception in 1854 and after the circa 1867 publication of Mariano Sevilla's translation of the devotional " Flores de Mara " or "Flowers of Mary". The Santacruzan is to be fittingly celebrated on its proper feast day- May 3, or on other favorable dates during the first half of May. After missing the 2020 Santacruzan due to the Covid19 pandemic, the Filipino American Foundation of New Mexico revived the annual celebration of Santacruzan on May 30, 2021, Sunday at the St. Theresa's Catholic Church, attended by around 200 people.Anna Shibuya was Reyna Elena and Ethan Esparza was King Constantine (photo below). After a while, they were offered some snacks. 3. Anna Shibuya was Reyna Elena and Ethan Esparza was King Constantine (photo below). Your Journal. This considerably prestigious role is often awarded to the most beautiful girl or most important matron in the pageant. This year's event, organized with meticulous attention to detail, paid homage to the revered Santacruzan festival in a grand celebration of faith and culture. May 6 @ 3:00 pm. They are usually placed in front of the line, with each one holding a letter of the words AVE MARIA.. Holy Tuesday - April 4, 2023. She carries an anchor. A Catholic tradition. For Chiqui Arguelles, the Murray queen, participating in the Santacruzan was exciting. My escort was not wearing a Barong Tagalog. ", "It was overwhelming how many people joined our celebration," said Jun Enriquez, a Santacruzan organizer. This festival was introduced in the Philippines by the Spaniards 300 years after Christs death and has since become a part of the Filipino tradition. The Santacruzan, the pageant on the last day of Flores de Mayo, in honor of Reyna Elena and Constantine finding the True Cross in Jerusalem, was celebrated by the Filipino Apostolate at Our Lady of Hope Parish, Blackwood, on Sunday, May 22. Be coherent. The areas such as Murray, Park City, West Jordan and Layton were represented; participation went beyond what Fr. Stick to the topic. Santacruzan, on the other hand, is a lavish festival celebrated by the Catholics and Aglipays - a Christian denomination in a form of a national church, founded in the Philippines - as the highlight of Flores de Mayo. Reyna Mora, represents the dominant religion before Christianity. For your advertising needs, call us at (032) 254-0217. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Flores de Mayo and Santacruzan A Filipino Tradition celebrated in May. Required fields are marked *. Holy Week 2023 Timeline. Its functioning and development depends also your support. A Santacruzan procession and stage event ends the month of May in a distinctively Filipino style. "It gives me joy to see that our kababayans (fellow countrymen) of other Christian faiths have joined us and are actively participating as sagalas or queens and escorts," said Fr. SunStar website welcomes friendly debate, but comments posted on this site do not "We wanna celebrate it here. SunStar reserves the right to Copyright 1991-2023 Asian Journal Media Group. Characters in the Santacruzan Parade The reynas are a key part of the Santacruzan procession. The Santacruzan Committee: Chair Myrna Samson, Consultant Cora Romillo, Music Ariel Bondoc, Food Annie Bondoc, together with the BOD of FAFNM. [CDATA[ Participants arrive at 2:30 p.m. with the procession beginning at 3 p.m. A flower offering and crowning of the . One Stop Information Site for Filipinos in New Zealand. Did you notice the float has my name on it, Princess Rosalind. 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. Upon touching one of the three, the servant was cured. This article, however, focuses on the one held in Southern Luzon as it is one of the more famous one. Standing in front are eight angels, each holding a letter to spell out Ave Maria. The celebration also was held at St. Gianna Beretta Molla Church, Northfield, on Sunday, May 15. Then the next day, we had the parade. The Santacruzan refers to the procession of flowers during May and commemorates the mythical event of Queen Helena, mother of Constantine the Great, finding the Holy Cross on which Jesus was crucified. Santacruzan is a highly anticipated event in the Filipino calendar, which is celebrated in towns and cities all across the country. I will always cherish that memory. "It was a special way to honor our Blessed Virgin Mary." There are a variety of ways in which you can volunteer, from sharing your knowledge and help us carry out day-to-day functions as a library and cultural center to helping organize events and promoting SEA Junctions mission. [citation needed]. The event concluded with a final song in honor of Blessed Virgin Mary. Colorful Santacruzan procession is held to commemorate the discovery of the Holy Cross which, as believed, was made by Saint Helena and her son The Filipino Apostolate celebrates Filipino Tagalog Masses twice a month rotating among 24 churches in the Diocese of Camden. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); SANDY A lone drummer led a procession of elegant queens and their escorts, angels, and a statue of Our Lady of Manaoag carried on a pedestal and followed by devotees praying the rosary to honor the Blessed Virgin in the Santacruzan celebration held at Saint Thomas More Parish May 15. 1. Rodel G. Balagtas, Liaison of the Filipino Ministry of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and Pastor of Incarnation Church in Glendale, will celebrate the Mass. After the work session in the afternoon, the Hermanos or Hermanas for the day will give the crowd meriendas before everyone head to the tuklng. Holy Monday - April 3, 2023. Santacruzan began in the 1800s and has been a highlight of the Flores de Mayo celebrations ever since. The Santacruzan is a Spanish legacy that commemorates the discovery of the True Cross by Reyna Elena or Queen Helena of Constantinople, the mother of the Emperor Constantine. This is a commemoration and reminiscent of the Our Lady of Fatima apparition to the three children which first took place on May 13 in 1917. They are preceded by adolescent or adult ladies dressed in white ball gown as angels, each holding a letter of the Angelical salutation Ave Maria. Thank you GP. Ben Diokno and Sec. An old hand in Bayambang, Pangasinan, Pacifico Duque, 76, told the Manila Standard the Flores de Mayo celebration represents the farmers' unwavering gratitude. Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday and ends on Holy Saturday, followed by Easter Sunday. The one which healed the servant was identified as Christs cross. Constantine in 313 ended the state-sanctioned persecu-tions in the Roman Empire. On Sunday, May 19, Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral in Raleigh was filled with flowers and people in colorful ethnic clothing as part of the Filipino celebration called "Flores de Mayo.". The month of May culminates with theSantacruzan the grandest and the most popular religious festival in many towns and cities throughout the Philippines, as the highlight of the month-long celebration ofFlores de Mayoduring the merry month of May. Recent adaptations of this procession involves floats and sometimes Filipino actors and actresses. Filipino-Canadians brought back a slice of home to Alberta as they held the "Santacruzan" religious parade. Frez had thought about canceling it. Flores de Mayo is a Catholic festival held in the Philippines during May in honor of the Virgin Mary. This festival was introduced in the Philippines by the Spaniards 300 years after Christs death and has since become a part of the Filipino tradition. It was truly successful with people of different faiths and cultures coming together to share in our tradition.". When is Santacruzan? 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The celebration of santacruzan is highlighted by praying the holy rosaries daily and by offering flowers to honor the Virgin Mother (Mama Mary). The name of the festival is derived from the Spanish language word flores meaning "flowers." Do not veer away from the Filipinos celebrate a tradition known as Flores de Mayo by a daily offering of flowers to the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus, throughout the month of May which climaxes on May 31 with a glittering procession of sagalas at a Santacruzan procession. Palm Sunday for the year 2022 is celebrated/ observed on Sunday, April 10th. The Filipino Apostolate of South Jersey is a religious initiative in solidarity with the diocese. Frez had thought about canceling it. 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"It sort of brings back our lives in the Philippines while we're in Canada," she said in Filipino. Flores de Mayo is different from Santacruzan. necessarily reflect the views of the SunStar management and its affiliates. The age-old tradition was the highlight of the Flores de Mayo festival in Red Beer, where flowers and prayers were offered to the Virgin Mary at a local church. [OPINION] Filipino Americans strengthen our country. The Santacruzan appears to always be held on a Sunday in May (a parade goes by my apartment in New York City). They were accompanied by a brass band and a bevy of beautiful sagalas, and distinguished members of the parish. For SunStar website ads, you may also write to: For other advertising concerns, write to: The Santacruzan sa Sugbo 2023, held at SM Seaside City Cebu, astonished mall-goers and guests alike as it showcased an enchanting blend of tradition, spirituality and elegance. SANDY A lone drummer led a procession of elegant queens and their escorts, angels, and a statue of Our Lady of Manaoag carried on a pedestal and followed by devotees praying the rosary to honor the Blessed Virgin in the Santacruzan celebration held at Saint Thomas More Parish May 15. // ]]> Flores de Mayo Festival in Southern Luzon, Philippines. [COLUMN] Extra wages for late or missed meal breaks should be paid immediately, [COLUMN] New Chapter 13 debt limits increased to $2.75M. Palm Sunday which is the Sunday before Easter Sunday and the start of Holy Week for Christians is a feast day commemorating Jesus's entry into Jerusalem on a Donkey (symbolizing peace versus a horse which symbolized war). ", Sagalas (queens) and their escorts and angels carry titles to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Santacruzan procession to the church for Mass. So a special tribute was paid to Mejia and her family in the procession with her photo and angels. All of the queens carry a royal title that tells the story of the birth of Christianity in the Philippines and titles of our Blessed Virgin Mary. 2. As Medicaid purge begins, staggering numbers of Americans lose coverage, Advocates sound alarm as SCOTUS weighs ban on affirmative action, California Attorney General Rob Bonta seeks to improve hate crime reporting, solutions, Identifying lasting COVID-19 misinformation within Fil-Am community, Sec. A celebration of faith and tradition in the Philippines Brief Description Santacruzan is a pinnacle of a month-long festival Flores de Mayo (Flowers of May) celebrated by the Philippine Catholics. Directions. The highlight of the parade and is traditionally placed at the very end is Reyna Helena. "We were expecting about 450 and there are about 500 or so people here. Santacruzan meaning is a grand procession meant to re-enact the quest of St. Helena to find the sacred cross, making her the grand parade's main character. automatically be deleted. The procession is accompanied by the steady beat of a local brass band, playing and singing the Dios te salve (the Spanish version of the Hail Mary). For 2023, that Palm Sunday date is April 2, 2023, and looking ahead to . Frez, associate pastor of Saint Francis Xavier Parish. The elegant costumes were portraying biblical and historical characters. 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). 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. Your email address will not be published. More About Flor De Mayo Why is Santacruzan celebrated every May? The left photo above shows his grandchild, Angela Armijo and great grandchild, Violet Ann Armijo receiving the Recognition and Appreciation Certificate in behalf of Chito from FAFNM President Myrna Samson. The latter is only a part of the whole celebration, but it is the pinnacle of the said festival. The goal of the Santacruzan was to unite the Filipino community and introduce the community at large to the traditional Filipino custom. Raleigh, NC 27613 Do not use obscenity. Chosen townspeople (including politicians and celebrities) wear costumes (made by famous . Santacruzan, a Philippine procession and celebration that honors the Blessed Virgin Mary, took place May 6 at St. Patrick Church in Victor. "But in the Philippines they also recognize towns. The traditional "Mara" with its respective meaning is said after the recitation of the Salve Regina in Spanish and the Litany of Loreto. View the dates for each day of Holy Week in 2023 below: Palm Sunday - April 2, 2023. I remember people cheering as we passed them during the parade. Special thanks to all the Reynas and Sagalas and all the volunteers who continue to support this event for more than four decades. The Santacruzan (from the Spanish santa cruz, "holy cross") is the ritual pageant held on the last day of the Flores de Mayo. Flores de Mayo, "Flowers of May" in Spanish, is a flower festival in the Philippines celebrated every May. Amongst the Tagalog people, the custom began after the proclamation of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception in 1854 and after the circa 1867 publication of Mariano Sevilla's translation of the devotional "Flores de Mara" ("Flowers of Mary"), also known by its longer title "Mariqut na Bulaclac nasa Pagninilaynilay sa Buong Buannang Mayo ay Inihahandog nag maga Devoto cay Mara Santsima" ("Beautiful Flowers that in the Meditations in the Whole Month of May are Presented by Devotees to Mary Most Holy"). "It gives me joy to see that our kababayans (fellow countrymen) of other Christian faiths have joined us and are actively participating as sagalas or queens and escorts," said Fr. "Id like to do it again" she said. I participated in Flores de Mayo festival in Bauan, my mothers hometown at age 7. Each figure in this group refers to a title of the Virgin Mary in the Litany of Loreto, or to a figure associated with her. Source: Insight Guide Philippines by Discovery Channel. All Rights Reserved. Do not shout or use CAPITAL LETTERS! The month of May culminates with the Santacruzan the grandest and the most popular religious festival in many towns and cities throughout One famous May tradition in Batangas (particularly in Lipa) is the Luglugan, or nightly devotion and party honoring the Virgin Mary. Prior to the Santacruzan, a novena is held in honor of the Holy Cross. Santacruzan takes place each year on the third Saturday in May. According to a popular legend, the back story was that St. Helena, the mother of Constantine the Great, went to Calvary 300 years ago after Christs death to search for his cross. Photos courtesy of Maricar Castro and one from Gloria Kauz. The Santacruzan (from the Spanish santa cruz, "holy cross") is the ritual pageant held on the last day of the Flores de Mayo. She walks under an arch festooned with the blossoms of flowers and She carries a grand bouquet of flowers. I really felt like a princess. SEA Junction is a not-for-profit, collective effort born out of contributions of the founder and a number of Founding Partners. Northern California Edition: June 09 15, 2023, New York & New Jersey Edition: June 09 15, 2023, Southern California Midweek Edition June 07 09, 2023, Los Angeles Weekend Edition: June 03 06, 2023, Northern California Edition: June 02 08, 2023, New York & New Jersey Edition: June 02 08, 2023, Massacre at the most fabulous city of fun. [COLUMN] How important is it to have a living trust? It was preceded by a High mass, hymn of adoration and praying of the rosary. It is said that after the Holy Cross was found in Jerusalem and brought back to Constantinople, there was this great celebration for thanksgiving and religious merriment. SEA Junction is conceived as a participatory effort where everybody who cares about Southeast Asia can play a part. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Reyna de las Virgines, carries a rosary and is surrounded by two angels. delete, reproduce, or modify comments posted here without notice. As a young girl, it was a wonderful experience for me. Frez had expected. I remember I was very sleepy during the coronation. At the site of the crucifixion, she unearthed three crosses and had her sick servant lie down on each one. In the Philippines, devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary reaches its crescendo in May with the month-long celebration of Flores de Mayo. It is a procession which commemorates the search of the Holy Cross by the Reyna Elena and her son Constantine, the newly converted emperor. The Filipino community from throughout the Diocese of Salt Lake City, friends and family then processed into the evening Mass that was followed by a dinner party of traditional Philippine cuisine. Other names are "Flores de Mara" ("Flowers of Mary") and "lay" (Filipino for "offering"). It was truly successful with people of different faiths and cultures coming together to share in our tradition. Most of the procession participants as well as many Solemn Mass attenders are either children of teenagers. Throughout the archipelago, every town and barrio stages its own Santacruzan which is the last celebration before the monsoon rains arrive in June. //