DCP Sketch Pad: “Las Flores Filipinas” entries
In the Philippines, the month of May calls for townsfolk everywhere to converge on the street to celebrate the Flores de Mayo, an age-old Filipino tradition influenced by the Spaniards. Literally means “flowers of May,” it is known for its colorful parade dubbed as Santacruzan, where beautifully dressed
sagalas (maidens) walk under floral-decorated
carozas.
Just like other festivals in the country, Flores de Mayo has a religious origin. In fact, it was first called Flores de Maria, honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary. Up until today, its Marian bonds are still being practiced as Filipinas dress up to represent Our Lady figures and other allegorical characters, from Reyna Emperatriz to the grand Reyna Elena accompanied by the young boy Constantino.