MAY

Flores de Mayo-Santacruzan

SANTACRUZAN is the queen of Maytime festivals. It is a novena procession, in commemoration of Saint Helena?s finding of the cross. Saint Helena was the mother of Constantine the Great. The procession, however, differs from other religious processions in that it does not parade the usual images of patron saints. Instead, biblical and historical characters are represented by the local people dressed in appropriate costumes.
 

Here are some of the colorful characters featured in the Santacruzan:
 

• The bearded Methuselah, riding in a cart where he is toasting grains of sand in pan over a fire.
• Banderada, a lady in red carrying a miniature Philippine flag.
• Reina Mora, dressed in a Muslim costume, representing Muslim Filipinos.
• Reina Fe (Faith), Reina Esperanza (Hope), and Reina Caridad (Charity), carrying symbols of their virtue.
• Abogada, dressed in a graduation toga, representing law.
• Reina Sentenciada, with her hands bound, to show that she has been convicted for a crime.
• Reina Justicia, carrying the scales of justice.
• Samaritana, carrying a jug on her shoulders, representing the Samaritan whom Christ spoke to at the well.
• Reina Judith, holding aloft the head of Holofernes.
• Reina Esther, who frustrated the plot to destroy the Jews.
• Queen Sheba, who visited the famed Solomon and was overwhelmed by his wisdom, power, and riches.
• Reina Elena , walking under a canopy of May flowers and cadena de amor and with Principe Constantino at her side. Behind her is the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

OBANDO FERTILITY RITES Santa Clarang pinong-pino, Ang pangako ko ay ganito, Pagdating ko sa Obando, Sasayaw ako ng pandanggo.? This lively song holds significant meanings to the childless mothers who, in their desire to share the fulfillment and happiness of motherhood, make the pilgrimage to Obando. Obando is a small town in Bulacan, on the banks of Angat River. On May 17, 18, and 19, a fiesta is celebrated in this town in honor of its three patron saints, Santa Clara, the patron saint of the childless; San Pascual Baylon, a humble 16th century s hepherd who danced his prayers and became a model of religious virtue; and Lady of Salambao, who got her name because the image of the Immaculate Conception was fished out by a fisherman, with the use of a salambao net. What makes the Obando fiesta unique among Philippine festivals is the dance performed in the streets by the childless women. With both their hands in the air, they swing and sway wildly to the Santa Clara melody.

Carabao Festival

Carabao Festival is a two-day celebration that takes places on 14 and 15 May in Pulilan (Bulacan Province), San Isidro (Nueva Ecija Province) and Angono (Rizal Province). This event is celebrated in honor of San Isidro, the farmer's patron saint. During this festival, on the afternoon of 14 May, decorated water buffaloes are led by farmers in a long procession to the church square whereby they kneel and receive their blessings. On 15 May, which is the next day, the water buffalo races will take place.