Getting to Know Flores de Mayo: How and Why It Is Celebrated The highlight of the procession is the Reynas or queens
r queens with
in the Philippines
The month of May. It is an exceptional month when the
fragrance of assorted flowers floats in the air. It is when
everyone remembers its name because of its connection to the
Blessed Virgin Mary and the blooming flowers.
This month also marks when Filipinos refresh the history of
Christianity, the sacredness of Jesus Christ, and the legendary
quest of SANTA ELENA to find the Holy Cross.
Santacruzan is a highly anticipated event in the Filipino
calendar, which is celebrated in towns and cities all across the
country. It’s an event steeped in history and religion, which
involves a beautiful and elaborate parade.
Santacruzan began in the 1800s and has been a highlight of the
Flores de Mayo celebrations ever since. Santacruzan is held in
honor of Queen Helena of Constantinople, mother of
Constantine the Great. Helena led a pilgrimage to find the cross
that Jesus was crucified on, and brought the cross back to
Rome. There are three virtues associated with Queen Helena
and Santacruzan: hope, charity, and faith.
The Biblical / Allegorical Figures:
Aside from the much-awaited list of reynas, biblical figures are
also positioned in the parade’s first section. They play a vital
role in this process as they are:
Methuselah
A person portraying this figure shall act like an old bearded
man who cooks a grain of sand in a hot pan. It plays a
significant role in the procession as it reminds us that we all
came from dust and we will go back to it.
Reyna Banderada
A long red dress is the main point of this figure. A young lady
who will partake in this role shall bear a yellow pennant that
will constitute the arrival of the Christian faith.
Samaritana
A young girl or a woman can take this critical role, symbolizing
salvation. In the bible, an outcasted woman received
redemption from the Lord when she encountered Jesus in
Jacob’s well. Therefore, she will carry a jug of water on her
shoulder. It has a vital role in the parade as it reminds people
that we are all worthy of the love of the Lord.
Veronica
Another essential role in this parade will be taken up by a
young woman bearing a veil. It will represent the woman who
wiped the face of Jesus and left a three-blood imprint.
Aeta
A tribal tattoo, a hair braid, or patterned clothes can be used to
represent this ethnic group. Those who will portray the Aetas
should know they are people who undoubtedly believed in God
and embraced the Christian faith. They can use some dark
paint on the skin to better illustrate it.
The Marian Titles / Reynas or Queens:
corresponding titles.
Reyna Fe
A fine young woman who will take the role of Reyna Fe shall
carry a cross to signify the first theological virtue of faith.
The Reyna Esperanza
Carrying an anchor is crucial in this role because Reyna
Esperanza symbolizes hope – a second theological virtue.
Reyna Caridad
A red heart is much needed to portray Reyna Caridad’s role
effectively. She is a symbol of charity (the third theological
virtue), so it shall not lose its red heart.
Reyna Sentenciada
A young woman shall have her hands tied with a rope as she
will depict the convicted Queen. She represents all early
Christians who Romans unmercifully persecuted because of
their faith. During the procession, she will be guarded by two
Roman soldiers on both sides.
Divina Pastora
The item that needs to be brought by someone who will take
the role of Divina Pastora is a shepherd’s staff or crook.
Reyna Mistica
A bouquet is brought by someone who will play the role of
Reyna Mistica
The Reyna de las Flores
She is the Queen of the Flores de Mayo. She will carry a grand
bouquet.
Reyna Emperatriz
This role merely represents Queen Helena’s title, which she
received from Constantinople. The title signifies her role as an
Empress or Queen Mother.
Reyna Elena
The community’s most beautiful and well-respected lady will
take the prestigious role of portraying St. Helena. She is the
highlight and the last parade member who remains a secret
until the day of the Santacruzan.
Filipinos love surprises, so they find it amusing to keep the
person’s identity until it’s time for the people to watch the
parade. Of course, she will be accompanied by a small boy
dressed as a little Constantine – the first Christian emperor in
Rome.
Other Marian Titles
Beyond the captivating figures above, the Queens of
Santacruzan also feature Reyna ng Saba, Reyna de los
Confesores, Reyna de los Martires, Reyna de los Apostoles,
Reyna de los Patriarcas, Reyna Mora, Reyna Judith, and Reyna
Ester.
Characters in the Santacruzan Parade
The reynas are a key part of the Santacruzan procession. But
there’s a whole host of other characters from the story
involved in this parade. Here are a few other important
characters to know:

Methuselah - A bearded old man riding a cart while toasting

grains of sand, who serves to remind us that everything
eventually returns to dust.

Divina pastora - A divine shepherdess who carries a staff.

Samaritana - A woman from the story who was a social outcast

but spoke with Jesus at a well, and was reformed after their
conversation.

Ave Maria - Eight girls make up this character, all dressed as

angels and each holding a letter which together make up the
words ‘Ave Maria’.

Tres Marias (Three Marys) - Three women play these

characters, who include Mary Magdala, Mary, Mother of
Christ, and Mary, mother of James.