Reyna Elena 2011 of Centro Orriental, Polangui, Albay.
Santacruzan is a traditional religious celebration held in many towns and barrios all over the Philippines. This is held every month of May.
In Polangui, Albay, almost all the barangays of the town celebrate Santacruzan Festival. After the novena prayer, they come up with the procession of the sagalas representing different characters in the bible and in the story of Queen Elena in search of the holy cross. Colorful arko decorated with fresh flowers are being showcased in the procession.
In years of observation, I just noticed that people really don't know what's the essence of this festivity. People just watch the sagala and that's it- without even knowing what's the history behind the Santacruzan. Sagala is not just a fashion show, a pageant nor a parade of beauties. It's a way to commemorate the story of the finding of the cross. ( http://www.philippinecountry.com/philippine_festivals/santacruzan.html ) People sometimes laugh and tease the ladies. Sometimes judging and making some fun instead of the positive credits they should give to the sagalas. We should all know that again, this is a religious celebration. On the other way, I can say that Santacruzan is a living art because it create such a wonderful and live masterpiece in the streets during May.
