Higantes Festival: Angono, Rizal’s Parade of Giants
The Higantes Festival is one of the most distinctive celebrations in the Philippines, famous for the towering papier-mâché giants that parade through the streets of Angono, Rizal, every November. Held in honor of San Clemente, the patron saint of local fishermen, this vibrant fiesta blends Catholic devotion, folk art, and a fascinating history of protest. This guide covers what the Higantes Festival is, its origin, when and where it happens, and how to experience it.
Part religious feast, part artistic showcase, the Higantes Festival captures the creative spirit of Angono, long celebrated as the Art Capital of the Philippines. For anyone exploring festivals in the Philippines, the parade of giants near Manila is an unforgettable spectacle.
What Is the Higantes Festival?
The Higantes Festival is an annual celebration in the town of Angono, Rizal, centered on the higantes, giant papier-mâché figures that stand around ten to twelve feet tall. Each higante is a hollow puppet worn by a person inside, who carries and spins the towering figure through the streets in a lively parade. Dressed in colorful costumes and often designed as caricatures, dozens of these giants fill the streets of Angono in a joyful, festive procession.
The festival is both a religious fiesta honoring San Clemente and a showcase of the town’s renowned folk art. It is this rare combination of devotion, history, and artistry that makes the Higantes Festival unlike any other celebration in the country.
Where and When Is the Higantes Festival Celebrated?
The Higantes Festival is celebrated in Angono, Rizal, a lakeside town on the shores of Laguna de Bay, just about an hour east of Manila. The festival is held annually on November 22 and 23, coinciding with the feast of San Clemente, the town’s patron saint. November 23 is the main day, when the biggest parade and the fluvial procession take place.
Because Angono is so close to Metro Manila, the festival is an easy day trip for travelers, drawing crowds from the capital and beyond every November to witness the giants of Rizal.
The History and Origin of the Higantes Festival
The origin of the higantes traces back to the Spanish colonial era, when Angono was part of a large hacienda controlled by Spanish landlords. According to local folklore, the townspeople were only allowed to hold one town fiesta each year, and their movements and celebrations were tightly restricted. In quiet defiance, the residents created giant papier-mâché figures that were caricatures of the hacienda owners and Spanish landlords, mocking them through art during the festivities.
Over time, this act of playful protest evolved into a beloved tradition. The higante-making craft is often credited to local folk artist Perdigon Vocalan, and the giants became a permanent fixture of the town’s culture. Today the higantes symbolize the resilience, humor, and artistic spirit of the Angono people, transforming a history of oppression into a celebration of creativity.
How the Higantes Are Made
Creating a higante is a true feat of folk art. Local artists build a framework of bamboo and rattan to form the giant’s body, then layer it with papier-mâché, or mache, made from paper and paste. Once dry, the figure is painted in bright colors and dressed in elaborate costumes. The head is sculpted with an expressive face, and the hollow interior is fitted so a person can carry the giant on their shoulders and dance it through the streets.
Each barangay in Angono produces its own higantes, and the figures often depict characters, professions, or humorous caricatures. The craft is passed down through generations, keeping the artistry of higante-making alive as a proud part of Angono’s cultural heritage.
The San Clemente Fluvial Procession
At its heart, the Higantes Festival is a religious celebration in honor of San Clemente, the patron saint of Angono’s fishermen. A key highlight is the fluvial procession, in which the image of San Clemente is carried on a decorated pagoda along the waters of Laguna de Bay, accompanied by devotees in boats. Fishermen and townsfolk express gratitude to their patron saint for a bountiful catch and pray for safety and blessings in the year ahead.
During the celebration, it is also traditional for participants and even spectators to be doused with water, a joyful ritual tied to the fishing community and the feast of San Clemente. Visitors should expect to get wet and embrace the fun.
Angono: The Art Capital of the Philippines
The Higantes Festival cannot be separated from Angono’s identity as the Art Capital of the Philippines. This small town is the birthplace of two National Artists: Carlos “Botong” Francisco, a master painter, and Lucio San Pedro, a celebrated composer. Angono is dotted with galleries, museums, and workshops, and its streets are lined with murals and folk art.
This deep artistic heritage is exactly why the higantes are so elaborate and why the festival doubles as a celebration of Filipino creativity. A visit during the festival is a chance to explore the town’s galleries and meet the local artists who keep its traditions alive.
What to Expect at the Higantes Festival
The Higantes Festival is a full day of color and energy. Expect a grand parade of giants winding through the streets of Angono, accompanied by marching bands, street dancing, and the parehadoras, women dressed in traditional Filipiniana attire who dance alongside the higantes. The fluvial procession, cultural shows, food stalls, and the lively dousing of water round out the festivities.
The atmosphere is festive and welcoming, with locals and visitors mingling in the streets. Bring a camera, wear clothes you do not mind getting wet, and be ready to join the celebration.
Food and Delicacies to Try
No Filipino fiesta is complete without food. In Angono, look for local specialties such as itik, or native duck dishes, fresh seafood from Laguna de Bay, and minaluto, a festive seafood-and-rice platter. Street stalls during the festival serve classic Filipino snacks and sweets, giving visitors a delicious taste of the town alongside the spectacle of the giants.
Travel Tips for the Higantes Festival
Angono is roughly an hour from Manila by car via Rizal, and public jeepneys and vans also connect the town to nearby cities. Arrive early on November 23 to catch the main parade and secure a good viewing spot. Wear light, comfortable clothing and shoes suited for walking and getting splashed, keep valuables in waterproof bags, and stay hydrated. Since the festival is a popular day trip, expect heavy crowds and plan your transportation accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Higantes Festival celebrated for?
The Higantes Festival is celebrated in honor of San Clemente, the patron saint of Angono’s fishermen, and to showcase the town’s folk art through its giant papier-mâché figures. It combines a religious fiesta with a celebration of Angono’s artistic heritage.
Where and when is the Higantes Festival held?
The festival is held in Angono, Rizal, about an hour east of Manila, every year on November 22 and 23, with November 23 being the main day of the parade and fluvial procession.
What is the purpose of the giants in the Higantes Festival?
The giants, or higantes, originated as caricatures of Spanish landlords during the colonial era, a form of playful protest by the townspeople. Today they symbolize the creativity, humor, and resilience of the people of Angono.
Is the Higantes Festival religious or nonreligious?
It is both. The festival is rooted in the religious feast of San Clemente, complete with a fluvial procession, but it is also a secular cultural celebration of folk art, history, and community pride.
From its rebellious colonial origins to its giant papier-mâché stars, the Higantes Festival is a joyful fusion of faith, history, and art. Plan a November trip to Angono, Rizal, and witness the parade of giants for yourself.
The Higantes and Filipino Folk Art
The higantes are more than festival props; they are living examples of Filipino folk art. Each giant reflects the imagination of the barangay that builds it, from traditional caricatures to modern characters and social commentary. Making a higante requires skill in sculpture, painting, and design, and the craft is taught to younger generations so the tradition never fades. In this way, the Higantes Festival serves as a giant open-air gallery, where the artistry that earned Angono its title as the Art Capital of the Philippines is displayed for everyone to enjoy. The festival keeps folk art relevant, turning centuries-old techniques into a vibrant annual showcase.
Why the Higantes Festival Matters Today
For the people of Angono, the Higantes Festival is a powerful expression of identity. It honors San Clemente and the fishing community that depends on Laguna de Bay, remembers a history of resistance against colonial landlords, and celebrates the towns extraordinary artistic legacy all at once. For the country, it stands as one of the most creative and meaningful festivals in the Philippines, proof that a celebration can be joyful and deeply rooted in history at the same time. For visitors and members of the Filipino diaspora, watching the parade of giants is a memorable way to connect with Filipino culture and craftsmanship.
Nearby Attractions in Angono
A festival trip to Angono pairs well with the towns many cultural sites. Art lovers can visit the Blanco Family Museum, the Nemiranda Arts Foundation, and the Angono Petroglyphs, the oldest known rock art in the Philippines, carved thousands of years ago. Galleries and workshops line the streets, and the shores of Laguna de Bay offer scenic views and fresh seafood. Combining the festival with a tour of these attractions turns a single day of giants into a rich cultural journey just outside Manila.
Who founded the Higantes Festival?
The Higantes Festival grew out of a colonial-era tradition among the townspeople of Angono rather than a single founder. The higante-making craft that defines it is often credited to the local folk artist Perdigon Vocalan, who helped shape the giants into the art form seen today.
What is Angono, Rizal known for?
Angono is known as the Art Capital of the Philippines, the birthplace of National Artists Carlos Botong Francisco and Lucio San Pedro. It is famous for the Higantes Festival, the ancient Angono Petroglyphs, and a thriving community of painters, sculptors, and folk artists.
What should I wear to the Higantes Festival?
Wear light, comfortable, quick-drying clothing and sandals or shoes you do not mind getting wet, since dousing spectators with water is part of the fun. Pack a waterproof pouch for your phone and valuables, bring sun protection for the daytime parade, and consider a small towel. Comfortable footwear is essential because you will be walking and standing for long stretches as the giant papier-mache figures make their way through the crowded streets of Angono.
Whether you come for the faith, the folklore, or the folk art, the Higantes Festival rewards every visitor with a celebration found nowhere else in the Philippines. Mark November 23 on your calendar and meet the giants of Angono.
