Eight Barangays Gear Up for Grand Santacruzan 2026 Competition in Tacloban

Posted on May 14, 2026 at 4:18 pm

TACLOBAN CITY — Eight barangays in Tacloban City are gearing up for the Grand Santacruzan 2026 competition scheduled for May 30, with the parade set to commence at 6 p.m.

The participating barangays include Barangay 65 Pacio de Legaspi, Barangay 62-B Sagkahan, Barangay 62 Saging, Barangay 100 San Roque, Barangay 35-A Pangpanggo Street, Barangay 83-B Cogon San Jose, Barangay 105 Suhi San Isidro, and Barangay 43 Quarry District.

In the lead-up to the event, these barangays have been diligently preparing their costumes, arches, props, and performances for the annual competition.

This year’s Grand Santacruzan is themed “Light and Hope: A Luminous Journey for Tacloban City,” emphasizing faith, culture, and community participation in one of the city’s significant cultural and religious celebrations.

Organized by the City Government of Tacloban through the City Tourism Office under the leadership of City Tourism Officer Abigael Gatela, the event is expected to attract a large audience from various parts of the city.

Participants are crafting gowns inspired by biblical queens and traditional Flores de Mayo attire, while organizers and volunteers are busy decorating arches and floats for the procession.

Some barangays are also conducting rehearsals for their choreographed presentations and cultural performances to enhance their entries during the parade.

The competition aims to foster creativity, teamwork, and community engagement among the participating barangays while upholding the Santacruzan tradition.

Gatela expressed, ” The Grand Santacruzan is not just a celebration of tradition but also a reflection of our shared journey as a city. Through light and hope, we continue to progress together.”

Residents and visitors are anticipated to line the streets to witness the procession and show support for their respective barangays during the event.

The Grand Santacruzan remains one of Tacloban City’s most eagerly awaited annual festivities, uniting communities through faith, culture, and tradition.

Photo by: Christian Torres