Angono's rich culture, history showcased in Higantes Festival 2025
By Nel Andrade
Age-old practices in Angono, Rizal were showcased by residents of the lakeshore municipality known as the Art Capital of the Country during the celebration of the Higantes Festival this year.
From the fluvial procession to the street parade with participants holding boat paddles and wearing 'bakya' (wood slippers) as they danced and swayed synchronously, to the sumptuous dining in every homes, the centuries old traditions live on.
The feast day activities started with the Holy Mass in the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Saint Clement followed by the fluvial parade in Laguna Lake.
A pagoda or a floating carriage made mostly of bamboo poles carried the image of the town's patron saint.
Parade participants on separate boats followed the pagoda as the procession made its way through the water hyacinths and kangkong plantations by the lakeside.
The nine day novena masses in the shrine were fulfilled with mass goers danced outside the church as part of their vow as devotees of Saint Clement, regarded by the locals as patron saint of fisherfolks.