Marian devotees greet May with flowers, little angels

The Philippines doesn’t have springtime, but blooming flowers are huge in the country during May.

Flowers blooming during this month are said to be the reason the country celebrates Flores de Mayo, one of its most colorful religious events.

Flores de Mayo is a tribute to the Virgin Mary. For one whole month, the church holds a series of novenas, prayers, processions, and floral festivals for the Mother of Christ.

According to National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA), this festivity was first introduced in the Philippines by the Spanish friars in 1854.

In Cebu and other parts of the country, children dress up as angels and lead the other kids in offering flowers to the Virgin Mary.

At the end of the festivity, a procession called Santacruzan (Sacred Cross) is celebrated.

During this activity, a parade of traditional symbols related to the celebration is held, with Maria Elena, escorted by Constantine, as the highlight.

Maria Elena represents Saint Helena, who made the trip to Calvary in search of the cross where Jesus died. The cross she carries with her during the parade recalls this.

The parade is an wonderful sight, especially the flowers used as expression of devotion to the Virgin Mary. /