• CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
The new set of officers of Circulo de Bacolod (CDB) is reviving the Santa Cruz de Mayo (or Holy Month of May), as one of its flagship projects upon assuming office last year.
Guided by the theme “A Tradition of Faith, A Celebration of Heritage, A Community United,” the Santa Cruz de Mayo 2026, a Marian devotional and cultural celebration that unites faith, heritage, artistry, and community participation in Bacolod City, will be held on May 16.
The celebration will begin with a Holy Mass at the San Sebastian Cathedral followed by a solemn procession passing through Lacson Street and South Capitol Road, culminating at Ayala Malls Capitol Central where the crowning of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Fatima will take place.
Through the leadership of project committee head John-John Ditching, the project was formally launched during a meeting with fashion designers on January 21, where 28 from different cities across Negros immediately expressed their support and commitment to participate in the undertaking, including designers from Bacolod, Dumaguete, Bago, Escalante, Cadiz, and Ilog.
The project follows traditional church-based practices and research guidance provided by the Diocese through Msgr. Rolando Quijano, ensuring that the celebration remains rooted in authentic Catholic and Filipino heritage traditions.
Through this celebration, Circulo de Bacolod hopes to strengthen community unity while preserving a cherished Filipino Catholic tradition for future generations.
Circulo de Bacolod president Sandra Ruth Sycip yesterday said the procession will start from the San Sebastian Cathedral after a mass at about 2:30 p.m. on May 16. She is inviting the public to join the procession and urged those watching to bring candles.
The official partners of CDB for the event are the Diocese of Bacolod, Ayala Malls Capitol Central, Jamero Family, and John B. Lacson Colleges Foundation.*
