Hetti Bulatao | MAY 2026

At the center of the Visayas region, May is not just a month. It’s a celebration.

Did you know that during this month, Bohol becomes not only a destination for beaches and the Chocolate Hills—but also one of the most festive places in the country?

With around 235 fiestas spread across the province, it means that multiple townsand barangays celebrates their own patron saint. The result is a full month of gatherings, food, music, and tradition—there’s basically a fiesta happening somewhere every day.

During fiestas, communities come alive with religious processions, street dancing, and shared feasts. Most of all, homes open their doors to everyone—neighbors and visitors are welcome to eat, rest, and celebrate together, showing the true spirit of Boholano hospitality.

Locals even joke that “Bohol sinks during May” because everyone comes home for the celebrations. Beyond the festivities, it reflects what Filipino culture is really about—community, gratitude, and togetherness.

In Cebu and in many parts of the country, May also brings its own Flores de Mayo (flowers of May) traditions, a month-long celebration of the Catholic faithful that honor the Blessed Virgin Mary.  

According to the Archdiocese of Cebu, the vibrant and seasonal devotion to Mary started in Europe and was introduced to Filipinos by the Spaniards. It is timed every May where flowers beautifully bloom in the northern hemisphere for spring.

Ending the month is a Santacruzan, a parade organized by communities famously known for its elaborately dressed women called reynas and sagalas.

The Philippine Heritage Society said this beautiful and vibrant parade was introduced in the Philippines in 1800s  to “commemorate and retell the story of Queen Helena or Reyna Helena, mother of Constantine the Great who found the Holy Cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified and was brought back to Rome.”

More than all these festivities and traditions celebrated happening yearly in the month of May, they continue to thrive because it brings together families, friends, and communities—one that is cherished across many generations.