Stripped of its religious overtones, this procession is nothing but a fashion show to highlight the customized gowns and the beauty of their wearers. In the Philippines and in many Filipino communities around the world, the event is called "santacruzan". In some areas, it's called "Flores de Mayo". Either way, it's a throwback to the time farmers pray for rain, signifying the planting season starting on the fifth month of the year.

In Toronto, Canada, winners of local beauty pageants are chosen to represent the religious queens, for example, Reyna Fe (queen of faith), Reyna Caridad (queen of charity), Reyna de las Estrellas (queen of the stars), etc. On Sunday, June 17, 2018, the beauty queens set out for the procession around Nathan Phillips Square in downtown Toronto despite the searing heat of the noonday sun.