Santacruzan sa Aotearoa 2026:
Reyna ng Flores de Mayo
We are thrilled to invite you to a vibrant procession where faith, history, and the
natural beauty of the Philippines converge. This year, our theme is to celebrate the
Queens of the Flowers of May.
While the Santacruzan traditionally honors the finding of the Holy Cross, it has
always been inseparable from the blooming season of May (Flores de Mayo).
This year, we are turning our gaze toward the soil of our ancestors featuring our
native flowers. Join us as we walk through a tapestry of color, fragrance, and faith.
Let us rediscover the elegance of our own backyard and crown the May season
with the pride of the Philippines.
Event Details:
This event is currently open to children and teens aged 3 to 19 years old with the following categories to choose from:
ANGELS
Age Requirement: Open to ages 3 to 8 years. We are open to younger kids as long as the parent will walk with them.
Recommended attire: White Angel Costume.
Procession will be by height.
LITTLE PRINCESS
Age Requirement: Open to ages 3 to 14 years
Recommended attire: Princess attire adorned with flowers.
Princess with highest votes will be honoured the title of Reyna Flores de Aotearoa.
LITTLE PRINCE
Age Requirement: Open to ages 3 to 14 years
Recommended attire: Formal/Prince attire with floral accents
Prince with highest votes will be honoured the title of Constantino.
TEEN QUEENS
Age Requirement: Open to ages 15 to 19 years
Recommended attire: Regal floral gowns
Teen with the highest votes will be honoured the title of Reyna Elena
Roles in order of procession:
1. Reyna Esperenza
2. Reyna Caridad
3. Reyna Fe
4. Rosa Mystica
5. Reyna Elena (highest vote)
If there are enough participants for each category we will fill up all the roles. However if we don’t have enough, the order here will be according to votes.
What's in store for title holders?
Title holders will be determined via an online voting process which will commence on 8 May 2026 and will end 18 May 2026. All title holders will receive the following on coronation and procession day on the 23rd of May:
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Crown
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Sash
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Souvenir photo (digital)
Title holders may also be asked to appear in future events organised by Banyuhay Aotearoa to help promote Filipino culture in the wider community.
All participants will receive certificates of participation.
Complete registration online
This year we have FREE REGISTRATION for participants. Registration can be completed online by clicking the button at the bottom of this page.
Registration is FREE but once registered, there will be a cancellation fee of $50 when the participant withdraws.
Terms & Conditions
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Santacruzan is OPEN TO ALL INTERESTED PARTICIPANTS regardless if they have Filipino roots or not.
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We will be accepting registrations until 1 May 2026.
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To confirm your child's registration, you need to complete the online form by clicking the button at the bottom of this page.
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If you are registering a child below 3 years old, you agree that they will be accompanied by an adult during the main procession.
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All participants agree to provide for their own attire during the event.
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This year our theme is about the Queens of the Flowers of May. Participants are encouraged to incorporate flowers in your attire, but it is NOT a requirement to adhere to it. Participants can come in the best attire they already have that is fit for the procession.
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Banyuhay Aotearoa will provide the sashes and the crowns for title holders only.
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Title holders will be determined via an online voting system which will go live after the registration period has closed. More details will be published before online polling opens.
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The voting period will run from Friday, May 8th until Thursday, May 14th.
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An up-to-date running tally of votes will be available to view daily on our website and social media pages.
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The official title holders will be announced on Saturday, May 16th.
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The coronation ceremonies will be held on May 23rd at Wesley Community Centre Hall, right before the procession begins.
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Banyuhay Aotearoa will take all necessary precautions to protect all participants' personal information during the course of this event.
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Title holders of this year's Santacruzan may be asked to attend future events or gatherings organised by Banyuhay Aotearoa to help showcase Filipino culture to the wider community.
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By participating in the event, all contestants consent to Banyuhay Aotearoa using their photographs and video recordings taken during the event. These may be posted on our website and social media pages for event-related updates and future promotions.