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Cultural Shows and Events
Flores de Mayo (Flowers of May)
The Cathedral and most homes echo with the
traditional praying of the Novena for nine days, in
honor of the Virgin Mary. Then, a festive Santacruzan
follows, in celebration of the Holy Cross. The loveliest
ladies in the city are selected to participate in the
late afternoon procession that often stretches into
evening. They wear elegantly designed and exquisitely
embellished gowns, portraying characters in the story of
Queen Elena’s search and eventual find of the
Holy Cross. The gowns are either themed or free styled,
depending on the agreement of coordinators.
The most beautiful girl usually plays Queen Elena.
Every barangay have a different line up of characters.
Some represent all the queens and other important
biblical women like Esther, Judith, Veronica,
and the Queen of Sheba; others opt for the Marian
characters like Reyna de las Flores (queen
of flowers) and Reyna de las Estrellas
(queen of stars), others only give a bit of attention to
both of these and focus instead on the representation of
moral characters like Reyna Hustisya
(Justice; in the earlier celebrations, she wears a
blindfold), Esperanza (the representation
of hope), and Caridad (symbolizing charity
and love), and still others, enjoy the combination of
any or all of the three. But the lack of 2 or 3
characters doesn’t matter much as long as Queen
Elena/Helena is present.
They are either escorted or unescorted, depending on
their character, as they walk, under an arch adorned
with flowers and holding either a bouquet of flowers or
a candle. Flanked by angels, usually played by children,
and devotees, the procession then pushes forward.
The streets will ring with songs and recital of the
rosary and prayers of praise. A traditional band
provides the music, though, in these times, a modern
approach is accepted. The procession ends in the church
and a mass ensues.
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