On May 31, 1992, I photographed the annual Filipino Santacruzan pageant in Forest Gate, Newham, East London. Founded in 1981 by Andy Andres after his arrival from the Philippines, it was the first event of its kind in the UK and has since become a significant cultural and religious observance for the Filipino community in London.
The Santacruzan culminates the month-long Flores de Mayo (“Flowers of May”), a uniquely Filipino Catholic festival introduced in the 1800s by the Catholic Church to share Bible stories and encourage devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Throughout May, devotees offer daily flowers and prayers, leading up to the pageant. This event re-enacts the legendary 4th-century pilgrimage of Reyna Elena (Queen Helena) and her son, Emperor Constantine the Great, in their quest to find the True Cross in Jerusalem. Participants portray various biblical and historical figures, with Reyna Elena holding a cross to symbolise her discovery, accompanied by the young Emperor Constantine.
A distinctive feature of the East London Santacruzan is the inclusion of an additional Reyna, as well as the incorporation of Semana Santa (Holy Week) traditions, particularly the practice of carrying a statue of the Virgin Mary by bearers. Young women, known as Sagalas, wearing ballgowns portraying biblical and historical figures; in addition, there are representations of the three Marys, angels, shepherds, and queens embodying virtues like Hope, Faith, and Charity. The pageant is accompanied by music, prayer, and devotion.
Despite the challenging weather—marked on the day by thunderstorms, wind, rain, and intermittent sun—the unwavering spirit and devotion shone through, with participants undeterred by the elements.
