Santacruzan at Araneta Center

MANILA, Philippines - Araneta Center again fetes the month of flowers with a Grand Santacruzan tomorrow, May 30.

This year’s Santacruzan, grander and more elaborate than ever, will feature the best of Philippine Fiestas in a whole day celebration culminating in a street party. The festivities start with the Santacruzan, a solemn procession honoring the Virgin Mary, wherein this year’s Binibining Pilipinas contestants, current and former beauty queens will parade around the center representing the various characters (reynas) of the commemoration, the “Accolades of Our Lady,” in lavishly decorated arches. Select Araneta Center establishments, brand partners and some local barangays of Quezon City will likewise be represented by beautiful sagalas. The participation of dashing PBA players will lend more excitement to the festivities.

Highlight of the procession is the majestic Reyna Elena (Queen Helena) who will be accompanied by her consort, Principe Constantino, under a huge canopy of May flowers. They will be followed by groups of performers representing the major fiestas in the country, such as Masskara, Sinulog, Ati-Atihan, Panagbenga and many more.

The South Gate of the Araneta Coliseum is kick-off point of the Grand Santacruzan. Once the procession reaches the Green Gate where a makeshift altar bears an image of the Virgin Mary, the participants (reynas, sagalas, and consorts) will pay homage to the Holy Mother by reverently offering garlands of flowers.

After the fiesta parade, a street party featuring a concert and performances by festival dancers will start at Dampa in Farmer’s Market. A grand fireworks display will signal the start of the street party during which a Grand Fiesta with Pakain will be held to cap the celebration.

Araneta Center also offers promos for the family the whole year round. For updates on this and other Araneta Center offerings, visit www.arane-tacenter.net.