Jersey City: Santacruzan Festival

Description

SANTACRUZAN & FLORES DE MAYO

In the Filipino way of brightening solemn events into joyous ones, two feasts were merged to form what is now known as the “Queen of Filipino Feasts”, THE SANTACRUZAN & FLORES DE MAYO.

The event generally held on the 9th night of the novena is observed to honor the Holy Cross. Annually, during the feast day, the novena procession would be commemorated after the mass and will be participated by members of the community who will partake roles as Reynas, Sagalas (muses), Flower Girls, Angels, their Escorts and a display of biblical figures, characters of beauty, purity and fancy, and symbols of attributes to the Virgin Mary.

Historically, the SANTACRUZAN is a religious commemoration of the finding of the True Cross by Queen Helen (or Reyna Elena, in Tagalog or Filipino translation), mother of the Roman Emperor Constantine who, in the Edict of Milan in 313, legalized Christianity. This paved the way for its spread throughout the world. It also initiated the celebration of the Spanish springtime tradition of FLORES DE MAYO (literally translated as “Flowers in May”) which is dedicated to the Blessed Mother with offerings of flowers and festive processions.

This particular event in Jersey City was initiated by the Catholic Action of Mary (CAM) in 1978 and in the course of time partnered with Pan American Concerned Citizens Action League (PACCAL) to make the festivities bigger and stronger within the community.

A brief history:

1978: Santacruzan in Jersey City, NJ
2006: The entertainment and street fair was added at Second Street between Marin Blvd. and Erie St.
2014: Street Fair was moved to Manila Avenue from First St. to Third St.
2015: Additional segments include 5K Race, Manila Avenue Fun Run/Fun Walk, Health Fair

[If you wish to add more information to the history of this event, email santacruzanfestival@gmail.com]

MAP(S) OF THE EVENT

MANILA AVENUE
Between First St. to Sixth St. (and including 2nd Street from Erie St. to Manila Avenue)

For GPS Assistance, use this address:
365 Grove St., Jersey City, NJ 07302

STREET FAIR MAP #1

STREET FAIR MAP #2

RACE MAP:

WHAT TO EXPECT

As we celebrate this beloved annual tradition, we invite you to join us and see

ANNUAL PROCESSION. The highlight of the event
ENTERTAINMENT. Fun, live music, dancing, band performances
STREET FAIR. Food. Merchandise. Services. Local entrepreneurs that makes this community alive.

And here are some great additional segments to our event this year….

5K RUN. To encourage better health for a better community
ONE MILE FUN WALK. Get your family together for a fun time around the event
HEALTH FAIR. A blossoming string of street fair booths to positively boost your well being