Filipinos in Hawaii Keep Flores de Mayo Tradition Alive

O’AHU — Despite being over 5,000 miles from their homeland, Filipinos in O’ahu, Hawaii, continue to celebrate the Flores de Mayo festival with fervor. The festival, deeply rooted in Filipino Catholic traditions honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary, was condensed into a day-long event this year, featuring a Santacruzan procession as its centerpiece. This tradition dates back to 326 A.D. when St. Helena sought the True Cross and the Holy Sepulcher.

According to Philippines News Agency, vice chairperson of the Filipino Community Center (FilCom) Board of Directors, the event was held simultaneously with the annual Filipino Fiesta on May 4. It included cultural villages representing various Philippine regions, performances, and a traditional clothing exhibit by Filipino designer Iris Viacrusis. The Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu highlighted the significance of such events in fostering community unity and resilience, especially following the Lahaina wildfire disaster in Maui in August 2023. Consul General Emil Fernandez emphasized the role of these gatherings in strengthening ties among the Filipino community in Hawaii and supporting development initiatives in the Philippines.