(TACLOBAN CITY INFORMATION OFFICE FACEBOOK)
TACLOBAN CITY — Preparations are underway for the return of the Grand Santacruzan 2026, one of the city’s most anticipated religious and cultural celebrations, set on May 30, 2026, at the Tacloban City Hall grounds.
Organized by the Tacloban City Tourism Operations Office, this year’s celebration carries the theme “Light and Hope: The Luminous Journey of Taclobanon Faith,” highlighting the enduring Christian devotion associated with the traditional Santacruzan procession.
The event commemorates the discovery of the True Cross by St. Helena, symbolized in the procession by Reyna Elena, who will be accompanied by a young boy portraying Prince Constantine, representing faith and devotion in Christian tradition.
The grand parade will feature biblical characters and symbolic representations of virtues, continuing a cultural practice deeply rooted in Filipino Catholic heritage.
To encourage participation, the city government will provide a P50,000 subsidy to each barangay joining the procession, based on the information from the City Information Office.
Participating barangays include Barangay 65 Paseo de Legaspi, Barangay 62-B Sagkahan, Barangay 62 Saging, Barangay 100 San Roque, Barangay 35-A Pampango Street, Barangay 83-B Cogon San Jose, Barangay 105 Suhi San Isidro, and Barangay 43-B Quarry District.
Organizers have also encouraged participants to use soft pastel colors, floral designs, and gentle lighting in their presentations to reflect the event’s theme of light, hope, and spiritual renewal.
The Grand Santacruzan remains a significant tradition in Tacloban City, showcasing the city’s strong faith, cultural identity, and community unity through generations.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
