Introduction
The Higantes Festival in Angono Rizal is a cultural and
historical celebration that dates back to the Spanish colonial era. It is an
annual event held in Angono, Rizal province, Philippines, located east of Metro Manila. This festival is a colorful and lively
celebration showcasing the town's unique culture and traditions. This
article will provide a detailed overview of the Higantes Festival, including
its history, significance, and cultural aspects.
History of the Higantes Festival
The origin of the Higantes Festival dates back to the
Spanish colonial period when Angono was known for its agriculture
and fishing industries. It is believed that during the harvest season, the
farmers would create giant effigies or "higantes" made of bamboo and
papier-mâché to scare away birds from their fields. The farmers would carry these effigies during a procession to their fields, accompanied by
music and dance. This tradition eventually evolved into the Higantes Festival, now celebrated annually in Angono.
The festival gained popularity in the 1980s when a group
of local artists and cultural advocates decided to revive the tradition. They
added various elements to the celebration, including street dances, live music,
and cultural exhibits. The festival has since become a major tourist attraction
and a source of pride for the town.
Significance of the Higantes Festival
The Higantes Festival is significant for several reasons.
First, it celebrates the town's rich cultural heritage and traditions.
The festival highlights the ingenuity and creativity of the town's people and their love for music, dance, and the arts.
Second, the festival is an opportunity for the people of
Angono to unite and strengthen their sense of community. The town is
known for its close-knit community, and the festival is a way for residents to
connect and celebrate their shared identity.
Third, the festival is an important economic event for
the town. Thousands of visitors from all over the Philippines and the world
come to Angono during the festival, boosting local businesses and creating
employment opportunities.
Cultural Aspects of the Higantes Festival
The Higantes Festival is a colorful and lively
celebration that showcases the town's unique culture and traditions. The
festival is held every November 23, the feast day of Saint Clement, the town's
patron saint. The festivities usually start a week before the feast day and
continue for several days.
One of the festival's main highlights is the
procession of the higantes. Standing up to 12 feet tall, these giant effigies represent various characters and personalities, including historical
figures, celebrities, and even local politicians. The higantes are adorned with
colorful clothes and accessories like hats, scarves, and sunglasses. They
are carried by several men who dance and sway to the beat of the music.
Another highlight of the festival is the street dancing
competition. Participants wear colorful costumes and dance to traditional
music, showcasing the town's rich cultural heritage. The street dancing
competition is fiercely competitive, with various groups vying for the
top prize.
The festival also features various cultural exhibits,
such as art exhibits, food festivals, and craft fairs. Visitors can also
witness multiple traditional performances, such as the "Karakol," a
dance performed by the town's fishermen, and the "pandanggo sa ilaw,"
featuring women balancing lit candles on their heads.
Conclusion
The Higantes Festival in Angono Rizal is a vibrant and
colorful celebration that showcases the town's unique culture and traditions.
It is a significant event that highlights the creativity, ingenuity, and love
for the arts of the town's people. The festival is also a way for the people of
Angono to come together and celebrate their shared identity. It is also an important economic event that boosts local businesses and creates employment
opportunities.
The Higantes Festival is a testament to the resilience
and enduring spirit of the Filipino people, who have managed to preserve their
cultural heritage despite centuries of colonization and modernization. The
festival is a reminder of the importance of maintaining and celebrating one's
culture and traditions and of the power of community in bringing people
together.
References
Ancheta, A. (2019,
November 18). Higantes Festival in Angono, Rizal. Philippine News Agency.
Retrieved from https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1081605
Bernardino, M.
(2017, November 23). Higantes Festival: How Angono's Iconic Festival Came to
Be. Choose Philippines. Retrieved from https://www.choosephilippines.com/go/festivals/5505/higantes-festival-angono-rizal
Philippine
Department of Tourism. (n.d.). Angono, Rizal. Retrieved from https://www.tourism.gov.ph/destinations/angono-rizal
Philippine Primer.
(2019, November 19). The Higantes Festival: Angono's Celebration of Its
Artistic Heritage. Retrieved from https://primer.com.ph/event/2019/11/19/the-higantes-festival-angonos-celebration-of-its-artistic-heritage/