A month-long Catholic event to honor the Virgin Mary Finding of the True Cross by Saint Helena and her son Emperor Constantine Introduced during the Spanish era Associated with youth, love and romance

Originated in Malolos, Bulacan Started after: Immaculate Conception publication of Mariano Sevilla's Flores de Maria or Mariquit na Bulaclac na sa Pagninilaynilay sa Buong Buan nang Mayo ay Inihahandog nang manga Devoto cay Maria Santisima

Where it is held In the Bicol region, (especially in Barangay Sabang in Naga City), it is held every Wednesday and Saturday of May. The ritual is started with the rosary, with every decade followed by Spanish Marian songs

Nine day novena Santacruzan Also known as The Sagala Pageant on the last day of Flores de Mayo Procession of “queens” (ex. Reyna Elena, Reyna ng Sába, Reyna Móra)

Pabítin – culminating activity for all the children to enjoy. Square trellis to which goodies (candies, fruits, small trinkets, etc.) are tied with strings. Suspended on a strong branch or pole. Children jump to try to pick the goodies while someone jerks it up and down repeatedly until all the goodies are gone.

The Santacruzan is usually accompanied by a brass band or a rondalla playing Spanish Marian songs.

Flores de Mayo is still celebrated in many provinces in the Philippines (Laguna, Bulacan, Iloilo), and is kept alive by Filipino communities overseas such as in New Orleans and in Belgium through a special “Euro-Santacruzan” hosted by Filipinos.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flores_de_Mayo http://education.ezinemark.com/flores-de-mayo-santacruzan-4dc49f43651.html http://www.asiarooms.com/en/travel-guide/philippines/philippines-festivals-and-events/flores-de-mayo-or-santacruzan-festival-in-philippines.html http://www.philippinecountry.com/philippine_festivals/santacruzan.html

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