When is flores de mayo

The festival started in Bulacan in after Mariano Sevilla published his translation of the Spanish devotional literature of the Flores de Maria. Since then, it is observed throughout Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Some Filipinos practiced it abroad too… in England, Europe and the Americas for example. Like this one UK celebration … Image by: catholicpost. The exact English translation of this festival is Flowers of May Festival.

It is suggestive of a flower event in the summer month of May. It is Catholic Marian devotion about flower offerings to the Virgin Mary. When the Spanish friars introduced it to the Filipinos, it was first done in the month of May. There were plenty of flowers everywhere. And some amazing sights of flowers on umbrellas have been appearing, like this one The nation-wide practice involves people in a community gathering in the church on afternoons praying the rosary and offering flowers to the Virgin Mother.

Afterwards, they share whatever food they have brought along. Since the devotion is a summer event, the provincial communities ask in prayer for rains to come. Those in the cities ask for simple good tidings. Another signature is…. Each day, children bring flowers to the church and place them in the center aisle. The children broadcast petals for the Virgin Mary as they walk the lane. The United Nations has formally declared that a state of famine exists in this East African nation, with , people immediately facing starvation.

Pope Francis has appealed for the hard-hit people…. The Nuba Mountains Doctor. Tom Catena is an American doctor. He practices his profession in a particularly difficult area of Sudan—more precisely in the Nuba Mountains. Out of nowhere, he has opened a hospital and everyday he…. A New Pentecost. They represent the awakening of the laity, the people of God. They came into the open on Pentecost Day in…. Share Your Thoughts. Loading Conversation. WM Section Archives Frontiers.

Filipino Focus. Extraordinary People. WM Special. WM Report. Follow Me. Life's Essentials. Special Moments. Asian Focus. Indian Focus. One By One. Always been known as a largely Christian country and home to people who love to have fun, it comes as no surprise that the Philippines has a festival slated for every month of the year.

The month of May is no exception. Worry not, as this article will guide you to understanding the origin of Flores de Mayo and how it is celebrated. The Santacruzan The highlight of the whole festival is the Santacruzan, safe to say, the most colorful and beautiful day of the month.

When the rains begin to pour after a long dry spell, flowers magically bloom overnight. And being predominantly Catholic, the Filipinos celebrate the beneficial rains by giving praise to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The townfolk gather the colorful flowers to decorate the Parish Church altars and aisles.

They bundle the blooms in exotic arrangements for the many different festivities all together referred to as the "Flores De Mayo" Flowers of May. Many towns celebrate Flores De Mayo with the community congregating in the afternoons to pray the rosary, offer flowers to the Virgin Mary, and share homemade delicacies and snacks.

Children and adults wearing their Sunday best, sing and dance to welcome the rains that will water the new crops. In many parishes, these afternoon festivities culminate in an elaborate procession to the Church where an evening mass is celebrated.

The townfolk choose pretty young ladies to represent the various characters of the commemoration: the "Accolades of Our Lady". Each one is dressed in an exquisite, colorful gown, looking as regal as the Reina Queen she portrays. The highlight of the procession is the magestic Reina Elena Queen Helena who walks with her consort, Prinsipe Constantino, under a huge canopy of May flowers.

Immediately behind her is a float carrying the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary, followed by a brass band that lends the festive sounds to the procession. As the pageant moves along the streets, devotees holding lit candles follow, and join in the rosary, novena, and songs of praise. Oftentimes, after the evening Mass, the town Mayor hosts a dinner party to cap the celebrations. This Filipino tradition "The Queen of May Festivities" , introduced by the Spanish conquerors, is more than years old and lives on even in Europe and America.

Filipino Communities and Associations all over the world celebrate the Santacruzan with the same pageantry and glamor as the townfolk in their homeland. In the month of May, Filipinos don't need to stop to smell the flowers. The fragrance of sampaguitas Philippines' National Flower , kalachuchis, roses and other blooms, floats in the air. Back to top Philippine Festivals Tagalog Homepage.

Reyna de las Propetas - she carries a hour glass. Stop and smell the roses.