Faith, tradition, and community converged on May 14, 2026, as Ritenians gathered for the Flores de Mayo celebration in Santa Rita, Pampanga . The solemn procession featured beautifully adorned arches and angels, with participants including Reyna Elena, Little Reyna Elena, Reyna Emperatriz, and the Carroza of Reyna de las Flores passing through the streets of the municipality.
Flores de Mayo marked the culmination of the religious activities of the first week of Piyestang Balen 2026, following devotional observances such as the Dalo Manaoag and Martsa Para Kang Apung Dita . The celebration also signaled the beginning of the cultural, entertainment, sports, and community activities that followed throughout the fiesta.
Procession Highlights and Key Participants
The Flores de Mayo procession featured several distinguished participants. Reyna Elena was portrayed by Angelie Crizelle O. Lapid, accompanied by Constantino, Maverick O. Lapid . Little Reyna Elena was portrayed by Maxene Amara O. Lapid . Reyna Emperatriz was portrayed by Cyrill Dominguez Payumo, accompanied by Constantino, Theodore Stark D. Valencia, and Little Reyna Emperatriz, Laena Riel L. Calo . The Carroza of Reyna de las Flores was presented by Camaderos Marian Canlas-Mirano and Marjorie Canlas-Lozano and Family.
A Celebration of Faith and Community
The May 14 procession brought together Ritenians for one of Santa Rita's most cherished religious celebrations, featuring beautifully adorned arches and angels that helped bring color and tradition to the annual event . The Flores de Mayo tradition honors the Blessed Virgin Mary and is deeply rooted in Filipino Catholic culture, combining religious devotion with community fellowship.
The celebration aligns with the 2026 fiesta theme, "Pamagpuge da reng Ritenian kang Apung Dita, Simbulu't Tetagan ning Bayung Santa Rita" (The homage of the people of Santa Rita to Apung Dita, the symbol and strength of the New Santa Rita) . The municipal government, led by Mayor Reynan S. Calo, has emphasized citizen participation in fiesta activities, involving Barangay Chairpersons and Sangguniang Kabataan members in the preparations .
Flores de Mayo is part of a larger lineup of activities scheduled throughout May 2026, culminating in the feast day of St. Rita de Cascia on May 22, which coincides with the 300th anniversary of the founding of the Parish Church of Santa Rita.
