Faith, fashion, heritage shine in Flores de Mayo's grand return at Manila Hotel
A vibrant blend of faith, fashion, and heritage is set to take center stage as Manila revives the traditional Flores de Mayo with a grand celebration on May 3 in partnership with The Manila Hotel.
The celebration will transform into a sweeping spectacle that will blend devotion with design and weave history together with high fashion on the first Sunday of May.
The Manila Hotel hosts a press conference for “Flores de Mayo: Dalisay at Halimuyak” on April 22, led by Isko Moreno Domagoso, Mayor of Manila and Hermano Mayor of the celebration, former senator Atty. Joey Lina, President of the Manila Hotel, Cathy Mora Capistrano, FDAP President, and Raymond Villanueva, Overall Director, alongside FDAP designers, as the event highlights how tradition is reimagined through modern Filipino fashion ahead of the grand showcase at the Quirino Grandstand.
At the heart of the revival will be Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso and his wife Dynee Domagoso, who will serve as Hermano Mayor and Hermana Mayor, symbolizing leadership in both faith and festivity.
Designers from the Fashion Designers Association of the Philippines (FDAP) will create the ensembles, with veteran designer Rene Salud personally crafting the costumes for the mayor and his wife.
A total of 35 designers will showcase their creations, worn by participants of all ages -- from children to senior citizens -- turning the streets into a living canvas of Filipino artistry.
An exclusive preview of the May 3 showcase of “Flores de Mayo: Dalisay at Halimuyak” is presented during a press conference on Wednesday, April 22, at the Maynila Ballroom of The Manila Hotel.
Each designer will receive P50,000 to support their work, on top of prizes awaiting the winners of the evening fashion show.
Organizers describe the event as “prestige with vision,” where couture meets culture.
The afternoon procession will begin at the Manila Hotel and move through the city’s historic spine, passing Kilometer Zero, South Drive, and culminating at the Quirino Grandstand, where participants will be judged.
From there, the procession winds back to Manila Hotel, through Roxas Boulevard highlighted by a traditional floral offering to the Virgin Mary.
But this is not just a procession, it is a runway in motion.
Adding to the visual spectacle, members of the Philippine Navy, Air Force, and Army will stand in full dress regalia, forming ceremonial arches that frame the procession in patriotic grandeur.
As night falls, the celebration shifts indoors.
A formal dinner and fashion showcase at The Manila Hotel will cap the day, spotlighting Filipino craftsmanship in an elegant setting.
Security will be managed by the Philippine National Police, deploying at least 300 personnel to ensure a safe and orderly celebration expected to draw large crowds.
The event is open to all who wish to join, reinforcing its spirit of inclusivity and community.
Tickets, inclusive of dinner, are priced at P5,000, P10,000, P20,000, P50,000, P100,000, and P200,000.
More than a revival, organizers say the 2026 Flores de Mayo is a reimagining, one that honors tradition while embracing a bold, creative future.