Under the scorching heat, when flowers start to bloom, people in the Philippines know that it's time to fill the streets with bright and colourful festivities. Here's everything you need to know about Flores de Mayo and Santacruzan
The best time to visit the Philippines is during summer especially if you are a pious devotee of the Blessed Virgin Mary. During this season, Filipinos gather in the streets to feast, perform cultural dances, and parade colourful ensembles that would shame the rainbow.
Two of the most attended fiestas are Flores de Mayo ("Flowers of May") and the Santacruzan which are held usually on the last week of summer. During these events, streets are filled with an atmosphere so bright it promotes camaraderie among locals, neighbours, and foreign visitors.
In case you missed it: Fiesta Filipinas: Summer Festivals
Flores de Mayo
In the late 18th century, the Catholic church has reserved the month of May to honour the Blessed Virgin Mary. The religious feast is called Flores de Mayo, which alludes to the wildflowers that bloom at this time of the year. A series of procession is held during this event, parading different images of the Blessed Virgin Mary and with children offering flowers as a culmination to their May Flower Catechism lessons.
The feast, which runs a whole month long, is celebrated differently depending on one's location. The Bicolanos, for example begin their ritual with the recitation of the holy rosary. People here also recite the traditional "Maria" after the Salve Regina (Hail Holy Queen) prayer.
After the ceremony, the townspeople are invited to feast on simple snacks given to those who attended the devotion.
Related: Tatler Deep Dive: A Glimpse Into Marian Devotion in the Philippines