Filipino community gathers in Torquay for traditional May celebration

Members of the Filipino communities across Devon and Cornwall gathered in Torquay to celebrate Flores de Mayo and Santacruzan — traditional festivals rooted in Catholic faith and Filipino heritage.

Now in its 13th year in the South West, the annual celebration returned to Torquay on Saturday, 10 May, for the first time since it was held there in 2018. The festivities began with a vibrant street procession, with participants walking from the Princess Gardens Pavilion, through Fleet Street and Abbey Road, before arriving at the Catholic Church of the Assumption of Our Lady.

The event honoured the Blessed Virgin Mary, with children offering flowers to a statue of Mary inside the church. Women and girls, some dressed as biblical figures, took part in the colourful and ceremonial procession.

Flores de Mayo — or Flowers of May — is a long-standing tradition in the Philippines, celebrated throughout the month in honour of the Virgin Mary. Santacruzan, which typically marks the end of May, commemorates the legend of Queen Helena and her discovery of the Holy Cross.

The festival has previously travelled to communities across the region, including Callington, Exeter, Plymouth, Truro, Falmouth and Dorchester. The event continues to be supported by the Diocese of Plymouth.

Organiser Merlyn McGuire said: “The event has been quite successful with the coordination of a very active religious group called Couples for Christ, headed by Nick and Renee Salabsab, who live here in Torquay.

“I’m so grateful to the parish priest of the Assumption of Our Lady Catholic Church, who allowed the Filipino community in the Diocese of Plymouth to hold such a prestigious traditional and religious celebration.

“I’m also very thankful that people from other nationalities took part and enjoyed the event.”

Ms McGuire, who first brought the celebration to Cornwall in 2011, added: “This is a very popular and traditional festival that is celebrated in many parts of the world where Filipinos reside. It’s our great pleasure to share our religious and cultural heritage here in the UK.”