The young generations of Angono and Antipolo City in Rizal continue to live up to the tradition that has been passed on through generations to honor the Holy Cross during this month of May with the annual “Grand Flores De Mayo” event.
In Angono, Rizal, right after the praying of the Holy Rosary and the Litany of the Virgin Mary at the Diocesan Shrine of Saint Clement Parish Church, the participants to the Flores De Mayo emerged from the church and proceeded to their bamboo arches to get ready for the afternoon parade.
Young girls with their escorts were either on a tricycle or pick-up vehicles as their makeshift "carroza" as they roam the main streets of the Art Capital of the Country for the May event also known as the Santacruzan, named as such to commemorate the discovery of the Holy Cross which, was believed to have done by Queen Helena and her son Constantine who became the first Christian Roman Emperor.
The town’s giant mascots, known as the Higantes joined the Maytime event that has been an age-old tradition in many parts of the country including this town, and many parts of the province.
Titles such as Queen of Hibiscus, Queen of Aster, Queen of Orchid, and other variety of flowers were bestowed on lady participants who all showed their gracefulness in walking on the streets of Angono in their gowns.
In Antipolo City, arches, adorned with colorful flowers added beauty to the Grand Sagala 2023 or the Grand Santacruzan’s female participants and their male escorts.
Sagalas or Santacruzans have long been a religious and cultural events during the month of May.