07 July 2013, Temple Newsam Park. The picturesque Temple Newsam Park in Leeds bore witness to the captivating Santa Cruzan parade, an esteemed Filipino tradition that inaugurated the Leeds Barrio Fiesta 2013. This event marked the commencement of the annual cultural festival and offered a glimpse into the Philippines’ rich cultural heritage and profound spirituality.
The Santa Cruzan, derived from the Spanish term “santa cruz,” signifying the “holy cross,” is a religious procession that culminates the Flores de Mayo, a month-long devotion dedicated to the Virgin Mary in the Philippines. The procession featured children adorned in resplendent gowns and traditional Filipino attire, gracefully traversing beneath archways adorned with vibrant flowers. Each child personified various religious figures or characters from Philippine folklore, including notable titles like Reina Elena (Queen Helena) and Reina Emperatríz (Queen Empress).
What set the 2013 Santa Cruzan in Leeds apart was the involvement of Ronald Chu and Emma Chu, who, at the behest of the Filipino Leeds Association (FLA), orchestrated the event. Their unwavering commitment to the Filipino community and their dedication to preserving cultural heritage shone through every detail of the procession’s planning and execution.
The Santa Cruzan at Leeds Barrio Fiesta 2013 celebrated faith, tradition, and community. It served as a testament to the bonds that unite the Filipino community in Leeds and underscored the passion and devotion of these new organisers. The enduring memories of that day continue to serve as a poignant reminder of the resilience of Filipino culture and the indomitable spirit of the Filipino community, regardless of the location where they come together to honour their heritage.
