Flores de Mayo

The Philippines has always been known as a country that loves to celebrate “fiestas” as we have them all throughout the year. One of the many festivals happens every May where we commemorate a tribute to the Virgin Mary in a flamboyant occasion filled with flowers.

Flores de Mayo which is the Spanish term for Flowers of May, an offering of Flowers for Mary (Flores de Maria) is the perfect season for the colorful festival, and consequently the season where majority of the flowers in the country bloom. The tradition incorporates decorating the town, churches and homes to attain a lively environment for the occasion.

“The festivity commemorates the search of the Holy Cross by Queen Helena and her son, the newly converted emperor Constantine the Great. After the Holy Cross was fond in Jerusalem and brought back to Rome, there was a joyful celebration for thanksgiving.” (http://filcom.org/center/flores-de-mayo/santacruzan/)


Before the Santacruzan or Flores de Mayo, the Filipinos do a novena in honor of the Holy Cross. This practice of praying for nine consecutive days was introduced by the Spaniards and has become an effective Catholic traditions lived out by the Filipinos.

Santacruzan is synonymous to Flores de Mayo as it is a beauty pageant based on religious and historical events; thus, celebrated in different cities all over the country throughout the occasion. Beautiful ladies are given the honor to participate in the flowery pageant parade escorted by handsome men as they grace the streets walking under a hand-carried arc fully decorated with beautiful native flowers.

The highlight of the event is the Reyna Elena (Queen Helena) of Santacruzan where a beautiful lady carries a small cross as she represents the queen being the legendary founder of the Cross. She is escorted by a gentleman who represents Constantine, the son of Queen Helena. And behind them would be a float carrying the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

While the pageant is going on in the streets, the devotees follow behind holding their lit candles, praying the rosary and singing Catholic songs of praise. After the pageant and the evening Mass, people continue the celebration with what Filipinos enjoy having in fiestas – a dinner party.
This Filipino custom that has lived on for more than a hundred years will definitely be enjoyed and passed on to future generations. Furthermore, the fragrance of the Philippine national flower (sampaguita), along with other flowers like roses and kalachuchis will shine on with the people celebrating it Flores de Mayo.



Xatti Ybañez
iSTORYA Intern


Xatti has a bubbly and outgoing personality. She loves to explore new things, constantly craves for food, loves to shop and travel, and to spend time with family and friends. Everything she endeavors is for her to get a step closer to her goal of becoming a public relations manager.