May | Camarines Sur, Philippines

 

A May celebration, Santa Cruzan in Camarines Sur is noted for its resplendent procession which is usually observed during nighttime. Beautiful and young Reynas in their glittered gowns parade around the town reminding the locals of the travails encountered by St. Elena in her search for the Holy Cross thousands of centuries ago. This one noted tradition has its beginnings rooted down from the Spanish regime. In the modern day celebration of Santa Cruzan, a nine-day novena is celebrated in honor of the Sta. Cruz (Holy Cross) enliven with Dotok and Lagaylay by neighborhoods. Beautiful and decorative altars which are made out of banana stalk carved with designs can be seen in every "istasyon" which is put up during the colorful celebration of the Santa Cruzan.

 

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