Philippine Festivals - May

Pista'y Dayat
Date: May 1 Location: Lingayen, Pangasinan
A day of thanksgiving for bountiful harvests and abundant fishing observed all over Pangasinan traditional with mass offering on beautiful beaches and fluvial parade.

Santacruzan
Date: May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Location: Nationwide
The Santacruzan is a procession commemmorating St. Helena's finding the "True Cross"; preceded bya nine-day Novena in honor of the Holy Cross. On the ninth day, usually on a weekend, the Santacruzan is held. The Reina Elena, accompanied by a little boy representing King Constantine, and the other sagalas representing biblical characters and the attributes of the Blessed Virgin, walk under gaily decorated arches.

Carabao Festival
Date: May 14 - Location: Angono, Rizal
Farmers pay tribute to their patron saints; a procession of carabao carts bearing a myriad local produce is held; prizes are awarded to the strongest and most beautifully decorated carabaos.

Pulillan Carabao
Date: May 14 Location: Pulilan, Bulacan
Hundreds of festively adorned carabaos are paraded by theis farmer-owners on the street leading to the church; there they are made to kneel down homage to San Isidro de Labrado, the patron saint of farmers.

Pahiyas sa Quezon
Date: May 15 Location: Sariaya, Lucban, Tayabas, Quezon
Homes are decked with kiping (multi-colored paper thin, leaf-shaped rice kropeck) and harvested vegetables; trade fair; civic parades, procession and other activities.

Obando Fertility Rites
Date: May 17 to 19 Location: Obando, Bulacan
A three day fiesta celebration in honor of San Pascual, Baylon, Sta. Clara and Nuestra Senora de Salambao. Childless couples, thankful parents, grateful farmers and fishermen dance along the streets together with colorfully customed women to pray for children and a good harvest.

Tapusan sa Kawit
Date: May 30 Location: Kawit, Cavite
A procession of gaily decorated floats decked with flowers of Maytime honors the Blessed Virgin. The participation of the town's most beautiful young ladies symbolizes the purity and innocence of the Blessed Mother.

Antipolo Pilgrimage
Date: May Location: Antipolo, Rizal
A month-long celebration that brings devotees and pilgrims to venerate the Lady of Peace and Good Voyage enshrined in Antipolo Church and afterwards, picnic to nearby Hinulugang Taktak.