The Giants of Gigantes Festival

Luzielle Ernest D. Cortez

I chose this photograph of the Higantes for it reminds me of art that reflects the town’s artistic streak as Angono is touted as the Arts Capital of the Philippines, not to mention that the town is known for its admirable artworks produced by extraordinarily talented artists. It makes me feel cloud nine that the people of Angono are so fond of the Higantes and the craft is colorful and adorable paper-mache’.

If I compare it to another festival, I could say that it is like celebrating the Sinulog Festival; however, the Santo Nino is not the Saint but Saint Clement, who is the image in the procession during the feast. It is somehow the same with Saint John the Baptist’s Feast because the sprinkling of water by a firetruck is also done, and the locals also believe that they would be blessed or received blessings when they get wet during the procession. It is also a part of the liturgical celebration when the priest would sprinkle water from the parishioners, and the parishioners will sign the cross. Water plays an important symbolic role in the Catholic faith. Water signifies purification and cleansing as it is also used in many liturgical celebrations.

Higantes Festival is a well-known celebration initiated by the Municipality of Angono. This celebration is to express gratitude to Angono’s patron, Saint Clement. A parade of giants is held on Sunday before the town feast on November 23

The values that we can see in this celebration are piety and gratitude of the people of Angono and giving it back to God through the intercession of Saint Clement. Saint Clement is the patron saint of fishermen, and the locals of the town are also fishermen.

Title: The giants of Gigantes Festival
Creator: Luzielle Ernest D. Cortez
What: Gigantes Festival
When: 23rd of November 
Where: Angono, Rizal