RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) – The local Filipino Catholic community will host its first Santacruzan & Flores de Mayo celebration on Sunday, May 17, highlighting a long-standing Filipino tradition. It will take place at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Rapid City.
The event will begin at 3 p.m. with a Santacruzan procession featuring reynas, or queens, representing virtues associated with the Virgin Mary. Organizers said the tradition of Flores de Mayo celebrates faith while uplifting the dignity, virtue and example of Mary through prayer and public procession.
The Santacruzan portion of the celebration honors St. Helena, who according to Christian tradition discovered the True Cross. The procession is expected to feature participants dressed in elaborate gowns and symbolic attire reflecting different virtues and titles.
Following the procession, Holy Mass will be celebrated at 5:30 p.m., with dinner scheduled afterward at 6:30 p.m.
Organizers said the event is intended to bring together families and the broader community in celebration of Filipino culture, Catholic faith and shared traditions.
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