Angono, Rizal’s giant mascots, locally known as the “higantes”, are scheduled to take center stage beginning today, Oct. 28, as the month-long celebration of the “Higantes Festival” this year officially kicks off in honor of the town’s patron saint, Saint Clement the Pope.
The town’s “higantes” which are made of bamboo or aluminum frame covered in paper mache or fiber glass as body is the town’s classical version of the present mascot. A young boy or girl is actually inside the higante, which is around eight to 10 feet tall.
The higantes -- traditionally look-alikes of personalities, either local or national -- usually dance on the street or just walk or sway to the delight of the watchers especially the kids.
Prior to the pandemic, each year, higante craftsmen, including Arturo ‘Totie’ Argana would create a new version adding excitement and suspense as to what new characters would emerge during the parade.
Prior years had higante version of former Sen. Manny Pacquiao, former President Rodrigo Duterte, Pia Wurtzbach, among other national and local celebrities.
Recently, the version of Binibining Pilipinas first runner-up Herlene ‘Hipon’ Girl Budol was also introduced.
The office of Mayor Jeri Mae Calderon, through the Angono Public Information Office, has announced that the inauguration and blessing of the new building of the Angono Police Station at the municipal grounds at 3 p.m. will officially kick off the festival.
The attendance of the family of the higantes, representing a boy, his father, mother and sister, is expected in the ceremony.
In the evening, a Halloween costume contest will highlight the first day of the Higantes Festival in this Art Capital of the Country.
During the minor and parade of the higantes, several brass bands march along the street with the giant mascots dancing or swaying to the music of the bands.
Church activities include the nightly novena masses and procession of the image of Saint Clement the Pope.
Other activities for the month-long festival are scheduled to be announced by the municipal government during a ceremony at 3 p.m. today.
Thousands of tourists from all over the province, and nearby cities in Metro Manila and the region visit the town to witness the higantes parade and other activities.