٠٠:٠٣:٣٢Thousands celebrated the birth of Saint John the Baptist in Bibiclat, Aliaga on Sunday, with a traditional festival known as 'Taong Putik' or the 'Mud People' festival.
Footage shows participants covering themselves in mud and dried banana leaves, imitating how the men in war times celebrated in mud after having their lives spared. They are also seen walking barefoot around the city, holding candles and praying, before attending a Catholic mass.
"If I don’t do this kind of devotion, I feel sick. That’s why I promised St John to do this ritual as long as I live," said Romulo Rufino, one of those present.
The tradition reportedly dates back to the Japanese occupation of the Philippines in the 1940s, when Bibiclat's women prayed to St John the Baptist to save their loved ones from execution by Japanese troops.
The captives were spared by a sudden rainstorm, causing overjoyed villagers to roll in the mud. Some festival goers also claim the mud and costumes are designed to emulate the attire of Saint John the Baptist who was known for wearing basic, earthly clothing.
Saint John's Eve and Day, which starts in the evening on June 23 and ends on June 24, is a celebration of the birth of Saint John the Baptist, an important figure in Christian faith.
This day is marked with religious and cultural events around the world, commemorating the life and mission of the man known for baptising Jesus Christ.
The observance of this day dates back to the 4th century and is intertwined with midsummer festivities in many cultures.
Common Saint John's Eve and Saint John's Day traditions include feasting, processions, services, bonfires, and fireworks.
Good clean dirt! Mud festival sees villagers celebrate birth of St John the Baptist in Aliaga
Thousands celebrated the birth of Saint John the Baptist in Bibiclat, Aliaga on Sunday, with a traditional festival known as 'Taong Putik' or the 'Mud People' festival.
Footage shows participants covering themselves in mud and dried banana leaves, imitating how the men in war times celebrated in mud after having their lives spared. They are also seen walking barefoot around the city, holding candles and praying, before attending a Catholic mass.
"If I don’t do this kind of devotion, I feel sick. That’s why I promised St John to do this ritual as long as I live," said Romulo Rufino, one of those present.
The tradition reportedly dates back to the Japanese occupation of the Philippines in the 1940s, when Bibiclat's women prayed to St John the Baptist to save their loved ones from execution by Japanese troops.
The captives were spared by a sudden rainstorm, causing overjoyed villagers to roll in the mud. Some festival goers also claim the mud and costumes are designed to emulate the attire of Saint John the Baptist who was known for wearing basic, earthly clothing.
Saint John's Eve and Day, which starts in the evening on June 23 and ends on June 24, is a celebration of the birth of Saint John the Baptist, an important figure in Christian faith.
This day is marked with religious and cultural events around the world, commemorating the life and mission of the man known for baptising Jesus Christ.
The observance of this day dates back to the 4th century and is intertwined with midsummer festivities in many cultures.
Common Saint John's Eve and Saint John's Day traditions include feasting, processions, services, bonfires, and fireworks.
Thousands celebrated the birth of Saint John the Baptist in Bibiclat, Aliaga on Sunday, with a traditional festival known as 'Taong Putik' or the 'Mud People' festival.
Footage shows participants covering themselves in mud and dried banana leaves, imitating how the men in war times celebrated in mud after having their lives spared. They are also seen walking barefoot around the city, holding candles and praying, before attending a Catholic mass.
"If I don’t do this kind of devotion, I feel sick. That’s why I promised St John to do this ritual as long as I live," said Romulo Rufino, one of those present.
The tradition reportedly dates back to the Japanese occupation of the Philippines in the 1940s, when Bibiclat's women prayed to St John the Baptist to save their loved ones from execution by Japanese troops.
The captives were spared by a sudden rainstorm, causing overjoyed villagers to roll in the mud. Some festival goers also claim the mud and costumes are designed to emulate the attire of Saint John the Baptist who was known for wearing basic, earthly clothing.
Saint John's Eve and Day, which starts in the evening on June 23 and ends on June 24, is a celebration of the birth of Saint John the Baptist, an important figure in Christian faith.
This day is marked with religious and cultural events around the world, commemorating the life and mission of the man known for baptising Jesus Christ.
The observance of this day dates back to the 4th century and is intertwined with midsummer festivities in many cultures.
Common Saint John's Eve and Saint John's Day traditions include feasting, processions, services, bonfires, and fireworks.