Stichting Kapitbahayan celebrates SANTA CRUZAN 2019 in the Netherlands

By Angel Axinto
June 10, 2019
Spijkenisse, The Netherlands
 


SANTA CRUZAN is the most beautiful Christian celebration that marks the end of the Flores de Mayo (flowers of May), a month long devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Here in Spijkenisse it was celebrated last May 25, 2019 in the Multicultural Center De Sleutel.

Charming participants elegantly dressed in colorful Filipiniana’s and gowns ready to parade the streets once more, as they did every year. The image of the Blessed Lady of Mediatrix carried on the shoulders by two men in their traditional Filipino shirt called ‘ barong’.



A religious-historical beauty pageant, Santa Cruzan ( Spanish for Holy Cross) has been practiced in the Philippines for decades. And here in the Netherlands, Stichting Kapitbahayan headed by Mherzy van der Steen- Gemarino in cooperation with the Our Lady of Mediatrix and the Mary’s joy Choir is keeping this magnificent Filipino tradition alive in the Netherlands for many years.



A procession started in front of the Multicultural center de Sleutel where Reyna’s (queens) elegantly dressed in long gowns paraded the streets. Slowly and gracefully walking towards the business centers, residential homes, supermarkets, maneuvering in the small alleys and parking spaces and finally back to the Multicultural center. Reciting the Holy Rosary all the way through, the procession is eye catching where people stopped and enjoyed taking pictures of these unique activity. Some individuals took a bow and made the sign of the Cross the moment the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary passes their way. In a country where Catholics belong to the minority, this is an extra ordinary

gesture to behold.



After the procession was a Holy Mass officiated by Father John Bosco in honor of our Lady of Mediatrix.



After a short break to fill up the murmuring stomach and a quick change of attire…. the after party begins!



With the Sound Team providing the music, the after party sends the guests swinging to the dance floor getting the rhythm of the music. And as costumary, the Karaoke break is a

refresher. Time to quench ones thirst and head for the bar or try to catch their breath after

that non stop dancing, and chat with friends. Of course not to mention the photo session

and selfies. After all each moment should be immortalized in facebook.

 

There is no beter way to end the Santa Cruzan festivity than to party all night long. No matter what the music is, everybody seems to still have the energy to shake, twist and make their moves. And when the Karaoke begins, so does the hilarity! Don’t expect to sing ALONE my friend, coz the entire barkadas are there to back you up, or mess up your song for you…..It’s insane!!!

 

What a great revelry that was. Starting with the procession in the streets of Spijkenisse, followed by the Holy Mass and finalizing it up with a disco and Karaoke ….it was a long but very rewarding Santa Cruzan celebration. Spiritualy blessed and physically invigorated. Exactly what we all need.



Stichting Kapitbahayan would like to thank each and everyone who joined, helped and in one way or another supported us in making this years Santa Cruzan once again a success.

Thank you and God bless us all !!!

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Photos courtesy of: Red Angel Polder, Noraydz van Duijvenbode- Principe, Trang Tran.