MANILA, Philippines - As part of the grand celebration for its 50th year, Araneta Center again honors the Blessed Virgin Mary as it celebrates the month of flowers with a grand santacruzan on May 22.
The annual santacruzan commemorates Queen Helena’s search for the Holy Cross. It is a widely popular and highly revered tradition in Filipino culture which celebrates beauty and bounty.
This year’s Santacruzan, grander and more elaborate than ever, will feature the best of Philippine fiestas in a spectacular celebration starting with a Holy Mass to consecrate the occasion to the Virgin Mary, followed by the santacruzan, a solemn procession honoring the Blessed Mother, wherein this year’s lovely Binibining Pilipinas contestants, along with current and former beauty queens, will be parading around the Center representing the various characters (reynas) of the commemoration, the “Accolades of Our Lady,” in lavishly decorated arches. Select Araneta Center establishments and some local barangays of Quezon City will likewise be represented by beautiful sagalas accompanied by dashing escorts.
The stately Reyna Elena (Queen Helena), accompanied by her consort Principe Constantino, and followed by her mother the Emperatriz, will walk under a huge canopy of May flowers as the procession’s grand finale. 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 an 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. A magnificent fireworks display will cap the celebration.
The grand santacruzan is one of many exciting events regularly showcased at the country’s leading shopping, dining and entertainment complex. Apart from observing religious practices and paying tribute to the month of flowers, Araneta Center also offers promos to delight every member of the family the whole year round. For details, log on to www.aranetacenter.net.