A "Santacruzan" is a religio-historical beauty pageant held in many cities, towns, and even in small communities throughout the Philippines during the month of May. One of the most colorful aspects of this festival, the pageant depicts the finding of the True Cross by Queen Helena, mother of Constantine the Great. Many movie and television personalities participate in the events and are featured in major "santacruzan". This festival became part of Filipino traditions identified with youth, love, and romance. Prior to the "Santacruzan", a novena is held in honor of the Holy Cross. The procession itself commemorates the search of the Holy Cross by "Reyna Elena" and her son, Emperor Constantine. It is said to have roots in the joyous thanksgiving celebrations that followed the finding of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem and its translation to Constantinople (now İstanbul).