Download Santacruzan Participation Form. Santacruzan is a religious-historical beauty pageant held in many cities, towns and even small villages throughout the Philippines during the month of May. The festivity commemorates the search of the Holy Cross by Queen Helena and her son, the newly converted emperor Constantine the Great. After the Holy Cross was found in Jerusalem and brought back to Rome, there was joyful celebration for thanksgiving.
Introduced by the Spaniards, this festival has since become part of Filipino traditions identified with youth, love and romance. Beautiful town belles are selected to participate in this colorful pageant parade representing various historical-religious figures. The stars are selected not for their looks alone, but for their embodiment of traditional feminine qualities.
It honors beautiful Philippine maidens and their handsome escorts under the hand-carried bamboo arches adorned by fragrant native flowers.
Leading the procession is a group of Aetas, an aboriginal group in central Philippines. These unconverted Filipino pagans represent the state of the country before the coming of Christianity. Following the Ati-Atihan dancers are various characters representing historical and religious personages.
Reyna Elena Queen Helena β the legendary founder of the true Cross, represented by the small cross. Home Flores de Mayo Santacruzan. Download Santacruzan Participation Form History Santacruzan is a religious-historical beauty pageant held in many cities, towns and even small villages throughout the Philippines during the month of May.
