Texas Pinoys ensure Santacruzan tradition lives on in the Lone Star State

By JV Villar, ABS-CBN North America Bureau

May 20, 2014

HOUSTON, Texas – The Filipino tradition of Santacruzan is the pageant on the last day of Flores de Mayo, held as a devotion to the Virgin Mary.

This May celebration was kept alive by Filipinos in Houston, Texas over the weekend

Hosted by the Filipino-American Community and Associations in South Texas, kababayans gathered for an afternoon mass and a show featuring Filipino songs and dances.

Men wore barong tagalogs and women wore Filipino costumes and gowns.

There were different booths showcasing Pinoy food. The highlight of the event was the Santacruzan procession, depicting the finding of the holy cross by Queen Helena, mother of Constantine the Great.

For Filipinos in Houston, it is also giving honor, respect and importance to Filipino culture and traditions.

“I think Santacruzan really helps us a lot as Filipinos because it creates an identity for us to come together,” Nelvin Adriatico said.

“It’s important that we do that, in order to preserve our culture, our faith,” Carmen D’Cunha said.

Houston Pinoys say they want to teach the youth that Santacruzan is not about showcasing glamour and beauty. It’s about religious devotion.

“Even if it’s not elaborate, we still have to teach our youth that the celebration of Santacruzan is not a celebration of long gowns or beautiful faces but it is a celebration of our faith.”