Higantes Festival: Where Giants Bring History and Community to Life Title

Every November, the quaint town of Angono in Rizal province transforms into a vibrant celebration hub as it hosts the Higantes Festival. Held on November 22nd and 23rd, this cherished event combines history, artistry, and community pride. Known as the “Art Capital of the Philippines,” Angono welcomes thousands of visitors to marvel at the towering papier-mâché giants that parade through its streets, each representing the town’s rich heritage and unyielding spirit.

The festivity is more than just an eye-catching event—it’s a living testament to the creativity and resilience of the Filipino people. Let’s step into the world of these captivating giants and explore the magic behind this extraordinary celebration.

The Origins: A Tale of Art and Protest

The story of the Higantes Festival is as grand as the towering figures it celebrates. Its roots stretch back to the late 19th century during the Spanish colonial period when the people of Angono were restricted to celebrating only one festival each year. Under the oppressive rule of Spanish hacienda owners, the tenant farmers (kasamas) devised a clever form of protest: they created higantes, giant papier-mâché puppets with exaggerated features mimicking the landlords.

These higantes didn’t just symbolize defiance—they were also a reflection of the community’s wit and creativity. Despite limited resources, the kasamas crafted these enormous figures using techniques taught by Spanish friars, blending local ingenuity with foreign influence.

Over time, the festival evolved, shedding its roots of protest and adopting a religious aspect as a tribute to Saint Clement, the patron saint of fishermen and mariners. Today, the celebration is a vibrant blend of faith, art, and tradition, celebrated with immense pride by the people of Angono.

Crafting Giants: The Art Behind the Higantes

Building a higante is no small feat—literally or figuratively. Each one can take up to a month to create, requiring the skilled hands of local artisans. The process begins with shaping the higante’s head using clay or plaster molds. Once the mold is set, layers of papier-mâché are meticulously applied, dried under the sun, and painted in bold, vibrant colors.

The body of a higante is constructed from bamboo or rattan strips, making it both sturdy and light enough for a puppeteer to carry. These towering figures, which can stand up to 12 feet tall, are then dressed in costumes that represent the diverse identities of Angono’s villages (barangays). Some depict traditional roles like farmers and fisherfolk, while others reflect modern characters, professions, or pop culture icons.

In recent years, smaller versions of the giants, called higantitos, have been introduced, offering younger artists an opportunity to showcase their creativity. These mini giants bring an added layer of charm and accessibility to the festival.

The Heart of the Celebration: Festival Traditions

The Higantes Festival is far more than a parade of towering giants; it’s a vibrant mosaic of cultural and religious traditions that bring the community together in celebration of heritage and faith. Each tradition adds a unique layer to the festivities, making the event as meaningful as it is memorable. Here’s a closer look at the highlights that define this cherished festival:

The Grand Parade: A Celebration of Identity and Creativity

At the heart of the festival is the Higantes Parade, a dazzling spectacle where over 100 higantes take to the streets in a vibrant display of artistry and pride. Each towering giant represents a unique aspect of Angono’s heritage, with every village (barangay) creating its own masterpiece. The designs reflect local identities, showcasing everything from traditional roles like fishermen and farmers to contemporary icons and pop culture figures. This parade isn’t just a show; it’s a communal effort that speaks to the creativity and unity of Angono’s people.

The Basaan Ritual: A Splash of Blessings

Imagine a parade where participants gleefully splash water on one another, their laughter and shouts echoing through the streets. That’s the basaan ritual, a tradition believed to symbolize blessings and a fresh start. It’s more than just fun—it’s a gesture of camaraderie and goodwill that embodies the festive spirit. Whether you’re a participant or a spectator, the basaan guarantees you’ll leave with a smile and a renewed sense of joy.

The Fluvial Procession: Honoring Saint Clement

On November 23rd, the festival takes to the water with a grand fluvial procession honoring Saint Clement, the patron saint of fishermen and mariners. His image is placed on an intricately decorated boat, accompanied by colorful pagodas and other vessels adorned with flowers and banners. As the boats glide along Laguna de Bay, the sight is both serene and celebratory, a perfect blend of devotion and festivity.

The Parehadores Parade: A Joyful Procession of Faith

Adding a touch of vibrant energy to the celebrations is the Parehadores Parade. Young girls dressed in colorful costumes and traditional wooden slippers lead the way, carrying wooden paddles (sagwans) as a tribute to the town’s fishing heritage. Their cheerful chants of “¡Viva San Clemente!” echo through the streets, infusing the procession with youthful enthusiasm and a sense of community pride.

Curious Facts About the Higantes Festival

The spectacle it’s a treasure trove of stories, artistry, and evolving traditions that reflect Angono’s rich heritage. Here are some fascinating facts that make this celebration truly extraordinary:

Roots in Resistance: The Power of Protest Through Art

While today’s Higantes Festival is a vibrant celebration of creativity and community, its origins tell a tale of defiance. During the Spanish colonial era, the people of Angono ingeniously used their artistry to push back against the oppressive hacienda system. The higantes, with their exaggerated features and commanding poses, mocked the landowners who restricted their freedom. What began as an act of rebellion has since transformed into a joyous expression of pride and unity, honoring the resilience of Angono’s people.

Art Capital of the Philippines: A Legacy of Excellence

Angono isn’t just the home of the Higantes Festival; it’s also the birthplace of two National Artists—Carlos “Botong” Francisco, a master of visual storytelling, and Lucio San Pedro, a celebrated composer. Their contributions to Philippine art and music are deeply intertwined with the town’s identity. During the festival, their legacies are honored through street murals, exhibits, and performances, reinforcing Angono’s reputation as the “Art Capital of the Philippines.”

Beyond Tradition: Giants With a Modern Twist

While the festival’s roots are steeped in history, the higantes have evolved to reflect the times. Modern designs go beyond traditional characters, incorporating celebrities, political figures, and even mythical creatures. This evolution showcases the boundless creativity of Angono’s artisans, who continually reimagine the giants to resonate with both local and global audiences. Each new higante tells a unique story, making every parade a fresh and exciting experience.

Sustainability in Art: Keeping the Tradition Alive

The craft of making higantes is more than an artistic endeavor—it’s a cultural heritage that requires preservation. Thanks to government initiatives and the dedication of local artisans, the papier-mâché tradition remains vibrant. Each figure represents countless hours of meticulous craftsmanship, ensuring the festival’s legacy is passed down to future generations. This commitment to sustainability also highlights Angono’s deep respect for its cultural roots and artistic practices.

The Higantes Festival: A Celebration That Stands Tall

For many Filipinos abroad, the Higantes Festival is a heartfelt reminder of home, family, and shared traditions. While physical distance may make it challenging to be present, platforms like ours bridge the gap, ensuring you can support your loved ones in Angono and help them fully embrace the joy of the festivities. Here’s how sendvalu’s services make this possible:

Remittances: Whether it’s assisting with festival preparations or covering everyday needs, our secure and fast remittance services provide families with the support they need to celebrate without worry.

Mobile Top-Ups: Staying connected is essential during moments like these. With our instant mobile top-ups, communication flows seamlessly, keeping families close despite the miles.

Gift Cards: A meaningful way to send love from afar, gift cards are perfect for contributing to the happiness of the celebration.

At sendvalu, we prioritize convenience and accessibility, offering a variety of payment options to suit every user. From traditional bank transfers and credit or debit cards to modern cryptocurrency payments, our platform ensures smooth and reliable transactions. These flexible choices make it easy for Filipinos abroad to stay connected and support their families, so no one misses out on the magic of the Higantes Festival.

This festival is more than just a parade of towering giants—it’s a vibrant celebration of history, community, and artistry. As the higantes march through Angono’s lively streets, they tell stories of resilience, creativity, and shared pride that echo far beyond the town’s borders.

Thanks to platforms like ours, families separated by distance can still partake in the joy and spirit of this iconic celebration. At sendvalu, we’re committed to keeping you connected, providing the tools to support your loved ones and be part of their happiness, wherever you are.

So, as the higantes dance and the streets of Angono come alive with color and energy, let us celebrate this extraordinary tradition—a true testament to the enduring spirit and creativity of the Filipino people.