Every June 24th, a small barrio (village) called Bibiclat in the town of Aliaga in Nueva Ecija celebrates the feast day of Saint John the Baptist with the annual Taong Putik Festival. It is a religious festival celebrated by the locals and devotees to pay homage to San Juan Bautista on his feast day by wearing costumes patterned to his attire. The "taong putik" soak themselves in mud and cover their body with dried banana leaves and visit houses or ask people for alms in a form of candle or money to buy candles which they offer for Saint John the Baptist to celebrate his feast day.
If you plan to witness the Taong Putik Festival, I highly suggest that you should be in Barrio Bibiclat as early as 4:00 AM. At this time, you will see "Taong Putik" or "Nag-sa-San Juan" roaming around the village and finally converging at the church where they offer candles and prayers and attend the 6:00 AM mass. A procession of the image of Saint John the Baptist then follows after the mass.
Last year, we were able to witness the Taong Putik Festival for the first time. Young and old.. Rich and poor, joined together and celebrated the feast of Saint John the Baptist to show their profound devotion and thanksgiving to San Juan Bautista.
The Taong Putik Festival may not be as popular and festive as the other festivals in the country, but it is definitely one unique and traditional festival you should experience even once in your lifetime.
MORE PHOTOS: Taong Putik Festival 2015
How to Get to Barrio Bibiclat in Aliaga, Nueva Ecija?
From Manila, there are several bus companies that goes to Cabanatuan City (Five Star Bus Co., ES Transport, Genesis Transport Services, Baliwag Transit, Inc). Bus terminals can be found in Pasay, Avenida, Cubao and Caloocan. Travel time is 2.5 - 3.5 hours depending on which route it will take. The fastest route is via the SCTEX which only takes 2.5 hours. AC bus fare is around 185 pesos from Cubao.
Barrio Bibiclat in Aliaga, Nueva Ecija is about an hour away from Cabanatuan City. Since it is an early morning festival, I highly suggest that you rent a jeepney or a car or bring your own car in getting to Barrio Bibiclat. Please refer to the map below for driving directions.
Where to Stay?
Cabanatuan is the nearest city to Aliaga that offers wide array of accommodations. I recommend Microtel Inn and Suites by Wyndham Cabanatuan ( Check Rates Online).
- 10 Awesome Reasons Why I Love Staying at Microtel Cabanatuan
- HOTELS IN CABANATUAN - Microtel Inn and Suites by Wyndham Cabanatuan
[ CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LIST OF HOTELS IN CABANATUAN CITY ]
Other Festivals in the Philippines every June 24
- Parada ng Lechon in Balayan, Batangas
- Regada Water Festival in Cavite City
- Kuraldal Festival in Guagua, Pampanga
- Wattah! Wattah! San Juan Fiesta, San Juan City
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