The streets of the lakeside town of Binangonan, Rizal came alive with color, music, and devotion as local youth gathered to mark the culmination of Flores de Mayo -- a cherished, centuries-old Filipino Catholic tradition honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Young girls and teenagers from across the municipality took center stage as “sagalas” (participants), donning glittering gowns for the grand closing parade.
Escorted under intricately decorated floral arches, the participants marched through the town proper, transforming the streets into a vibrant showcase of faith and Filipino cultural heritage.
Young girls in their colorful and glittering gown form part of the Flores de Mayor participants in Binangonan, Rizal. (Photo by Nel Andrade/Manila)
Several beautifully adorned Marian images were carried in the procession, serving as visual anchors for the month-long religious observance.
Local brass bands accompanied the parade, their lively tunes echoing through the streets and drawing crowds of residents and visitors alike.
Various images of the Virgin Mary are paraded to accompany the sagalas (Flores de Mayo participants) through the streets of Binangonan on May 31, the final day of the month-long observance of cultural and religious traditions celebrated in almost all towns and cities across the country during May. (Photo by Nel Andrade/Manila Bulletin)
The sagalas offered prayers and flowers at the foot of the Nuestra Señora de la Paz y Buenviaje (Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage) during the event held at the Binangonan Plaza.
The Nuestra Señora dela Paz y Buenviaje (Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage) is being prepared for the offering of flower ceremony at the Binangonan Plaza. (Photo by Nel Andrade/Manila Bulletin)
The festive procession concluded at the covered court near the historic Saint Ursula Parish Church, where the community gathered for the final ceremonies.
A showcase of gowns has become part of the Filipino tradition of Flores de Mayo, held in honor of the Virgin Mary. (Photo by Nel Andrade/Manila Bulletin).
Flores de Mayo (Spanish for Flowers of May) is celebrated throughout the Philippines every May.
As one of the country’s most prominent Catholic traditions, it unites communities through daily offerings of fresh flowers, catechism classes, and prayers dedicated to the Virgin Mary.