“Sabat Santacruzan” Festival in Pampanga

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SABAT SANTACRUZAN FESTIVAL

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There is no Santacruzan like the Sabat Santacruzan of Pampanga—a religious procession based on an age-old tradition woven around the finding of the True Cross. But this Kapampangan version has a unique, surprising twist, integrating theatrical features, poetical jousts and moro-moro elements for an even more entertaining drama on the streets.

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The original Santacruzan re-enacts the return journey of St. Helena, mother of Constantine the Great from Jerusalem back to Rome, after discovering the cross on which Christ was crucified in 326 AD. She had stumbled upon three crosses at the crucifixion site, and the real cross was determined by having sick person lie on the crosses; he was instantly cured upon lying on the Santa Cruz (Holy Cross).

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Celebrated every 3rd of May with a long procession featuring various incarnations of Elenas, biblical royalties and characters representing Virgin Mary, the festival was introduced by Spain and there was no stopping its widespread popularity ever since.

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Photo from: https://dmkael.wordpress.com/2015/05/25/event-sabat-santacruzan-2015/

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The Kapampangan version is different in that the procession is halted several times by costumed actors who challenge the Reina Elena in a poetic joust and engage her troop in a swordfight derived from yesteryear’s moro-moros, hence the name “Sabat Santacruzan” (Halt the Santacruzan).