My Share for #BeautifulSunday initiated by @ace108

Gowns are brought out and flowers are arranged. A festival that lasts the whole month of May. Lovely girls put on their make ups and gets ready for a pageant on the streets. Come with me today to witness beauty and devotion on a part of the festival of............

Flores De Mayo

The festival is held for the whole month of May in honor of the blessed Virgin Mary. Flowers are taken to the altar of the Virgin Mary as an act of devotion and celebration of the festival.

Santacruzan

On the last day of the month the grand religious pageant is held. The procession starts from the church and goes around the city. Wearing their beautiful gowns and makeup they parade around the city in honor of Saint Helena of Constantinople.

A cross in front of the procession represents the pilgrimage of Saint Helena in search of the True Cross of Jesus Christ. This parade is the celebration of her discovery and acquisition of the Cross.

After the cross it starts with children also dressed up and escorted by their parents or family members.

Next followed by young ladies in their beautiful gowns carrying roses. Every parade has different symbolism and representations of queens from the past.

Other parades includes roles which we did not see here. Symbolism with historic representation.

• Reyna Banderada - Representing the coming of Christianity, wearing red carrying a yellow banner.

• Aetas - Represents the ethnic group in the Philippines from thousands of years ago

• Reyna Mora - A representation of the Muslims in our country.

• Reyna Sentenciada - Represents martyred Christian virgins who were persecuted. The role involves her hands being tied up as she walks the streets.

• Reyna Esperanza - A symbol of hope and carries an anchor.

These are just some of the roles which I am hopeful to capture with my camera next year.

I salute these young ladies to be able to bear the heat in this late afternoon. Keeping their composure wearing these long dresses.

Keeping their posture as they parade around the streets. It baffles me how their make up stays looking good in this warm afternoon. I was sweating as I took photos but the girls didn't seem to be breaking a sweat.

This was an event which I almost missed as I came straight from work. In other areas on my way home there were also processions being held. This trapped me in traffic for more than an hour before I could get home to shoot for this event.

Eight girls carries a letter each which spells "AVE MARIA". In the traditional procession the eight girls should be wearing white and with wings. A portrayal of angels which I think has been done away and modernized. Instead each girl wears colorful gowns and traditional dresses. Still it was a sight to adore like a fashion show on the streets.

Some of the gowns worn were very elaborate with beads and embroidery. If I just knew the names of the designers to give them more credit of their creations. I am no fashion expert but anyone can tell if something is beautiful without any influence from anyone. In my book no one is suppose to dictate what is beautiful and what is not.

What I loved the most in this shoot is how the girls played along by stopping, posing and giving me a smile as I took a photo. It helps to capture the best shot sometimes if your subjects embraces the attention.

Someone who I missed to take a shot of but in return she gives a quick glance back.

The smiles are warm which gives us a deeper meaning in this parade. Showcases not only history, religion and devotion. It also shows our friendly, welcoming and beautiful culture.

The whitest and elaborate traditional Filipiniana gown with a long trail.

In a typical Santacruzan procession the last girl is usually hand picked and the most beautiful of them all. Referred to as the Reyna Elena a portrayal of Queen Helena. I was looking for a young lady but instead it was a little girl at the end of the parade. I maybe wrong in how they have it arranged for this parade.

It was a beautiful gown she was wearing somehow reminiscent of Belle's dress from Beauty and the Beast. A charming dress with intricate golden accessories embedded on the dress.

The image of the Virgin Mary decorated with pink flowers is being pulled on a cart. This ends the line for the parade and the route of the procession ends back at the church.

This is just a part of our tradition and culture. An elegant tradition which was passed down to us from the Spanish era. A tradition which will never cease to amaze me and will continue to cover for the years to come.

Thank you for joining me today in this #beautifulsunday. I hope you found interest and fascination for our tradition.

Resource
Flores De Mayo

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All photos are original and taken with

Lumix GX85 Sigma 50mm 1.4