Every November, the peaceful town of Angono, Rizal bursts into color, music, and laughter as it celebrates one of the most unique and vibrant traditions in the Philippines, the Gigantes or Higantes Festival.
This grand celebration is a feast of art, culture, and community, where towering papier mâché giants (higantes) march down the streets, representing the Angono, Rizal’s deep artistic roots and enduring spirit.
Image source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Higantes_of_Angono,_Rizal.jpg
The Origin of the Gigantes/Higantes Festival
The Gigantes Festival (also called Higantes Festival) in Angono has its origin in Spanish times, during the waning years of Spanish colonization in the Philippines. Back then, the Spanish landlords controlled large tracts of land in the province, including those around Laguna de Bay.
The local farmers, limited in their rights, expressed their frustration through creativity, crafting giant effigies made of papier mâché and bamboo, now known as higantes, to symbolize their defiance. These giants were crafted as caricatures of the Spanish landlords, marking the festival’s early form as a symbol of agrarian protest.
Over time, this protest evolved into a secular celebration that captured the municipality’s culture, tradition, and connection to creativity and faith beyond the Spanish colonization’s waning years. Higantes Festival became a secular celebration initiated not by politics, but by pride and gratitude of the town’s people.
Higantes festival is a way for locals to express gratitude for blessings and to honor their patron saint, Saint Clement or San Clemente, the patron saint of fishermen.
The Cultural Impact of the Gigantes Festival in Angono
Today, the Higantes Festival is more than just a town feast; it’s a living symbol of Angono’s resourcefulness and artistic excellence. This municipality has given the Philippines not one but two national artists: Carlos “Botong” Francisco for Visual Arts and Lucio San Pedro for Music. Their legacy of art and music continues to influence the town’s culture and festivities.
The papier mâché giants, often reaching up to 12 feet tall, now represent not protest, but life, gratitude, and the craftsmanship of the Angono people. Each giant or higante is designed with colorful costumes and exaggerated human features and head, representing everything from Angono folklore characters to everyday townsfolk.
Many schools, groups, and communities create their own giants, completing the parade with a dazzling variety of designs that highlight Angono’s artistry.
The festival has become a major tourism draw, welcoming thousands of visitors each year who want to witness the colorful, vibrant, and deeply symbolic celebration that reflects the interaction between faith, culture, and community.
How to Best Experience the Gigantes Festival
If you’re planning to visit Angono during the grand celebration of the Higantes Festival, here’s your ultimate guide to experiencing the best of the Higantes Festival:
1. Mark Your Calendar for Higantes Festival This November
The Higantes Festival is traditionally celebrated every November 22–23, coinciding with the feast of San Clemente, the patron saint of fishermen.
The festivities often begin days earlier in Angono, Rizal, with various events such as art exhibits, music performances, and street dancing contests. Since tourism is high in Angono, Rizal during this time, it’s a good idea to start planning early.
Image source: https://kabesera.com/our-stories/f/celebrate-the-vibrant-culture-of-angono-the-higantes-festival
2. Witness the Parade of Papier Mâché Giants (Higantes)
The highlight of the Gigantes Festival is the grand parade featuring towering papier mâché giants marching down Angono’s streets. In fact, those giants have become the symbol of the festival, after which the celebration is named.
Each higante or giant is unique, whether it is a lady or gentleman giant, often representing characters from Angono folklore, famous locals from the municipality, or even humorous portrayals of modern life.
The colorful costumes and bamboo frames make these giants both light and majestic as they sway with the rhythm of drums and cheers.
3. Enjoy the Street Dancing and Traditional Dances
Street dancing is another major highlight during the Higantes Festival, featuring groups of performers in colorful costumes moving to lively beats inspired by traditional Filipino music.
These traditional dances express the joy and unity of the community, reflecting the town’s culture and connection to its patron.
4. Join the Fluvial Procession in Honor of San Clemente (St. Clement)
One of the most meaningful parts of the Higantes celebration is the fluvial parade on the river of Laguna de Bay.
The image of the town’s patron, Saint Clement, is carried on a decorated boat, followed by other vessels filled with devotees splashing water at one another, a playful yet spiritual act symbolizing blessings and renewal.
This year, the Higante Festival’s fluvial parade is said to be extra special since the feast of San Clemente falls on a Sunday (November 23), making it more solemn and more meaningful.
5. Savor the Food and Local Delicacies
No town feast is complete without food! During the Higantes Festival, locals open not only their municipality but also their homes to visitors, offering a generous spread of home-cooked meals.
Expect traditional Filipino dishes such as lechon, kakanin, and hearty soups, prepared with love and as a part of expressing gratitude during the Higantes Festival.
Image source: https://www.pinoytravelogue.com/2020/11/botong-francisco-house-the-second-gallery-angono.html
6. Immerse Yourself in Art and Culture
Angono is widely known as the “Art Capital of the Philippines,” with two national artists under its belt.
So, beyond the Higantes festival and parade, explore the town’s museums, such as the Botong Francisco House and the Blanco Family Museum, which showcase local masterpieces. The streets themselves are filled with murals and sculptures, turning the town into an open-air gallery.
7. Capture and Share the Experience
The Gigantes Festival in Rizal is a colorful, picture-perfect celebration that deserves to be shared.
Take photos of the vibrant higantes, street dancing, Higantes parade, and festivities. And don’t forget to post them on Facebook or other social media platforms to showcase the town’s artistry and tradition to the world!
8. Respect the Tradition and the Locals of Angono, Rizal
While the festival is fun and lively, it’s also deeply rooted in faith and gratitude.
Always show respect to the devotees and locals as they honor their patron, Saint Clement. Join in the spirit of the celebration by appreciating the art, music, and sense of community that define Angono’s identity.
The Festival’s Evolving Spirit
The Higantes Festival continues to evolve, blending old and new. What began as higantes being an agrarian protest against Spanish colonizers has become a joyful secular celebration that honors both the municipality’s patron, Saint Clement, and the vision of Angono’s people.
The Gigante parade’s striking costumes, giant figures, and inclusive festivities make it one of the most iconic events in the Philippines. Moreover, all the events in the Higantes Festival are reminders that art, faith, and community can thrive together.
As generations of artists and locals continue to create new giants in the municipality, the festival stands as a testament to Angono’s roots in its lands, river, and life. The municipality’s story is one of resilience, tradition, and joy that will keep marching on for years to come.
Celebrate Life and Culture with Camella in Rizal
If you’ve fallen in love with the vibrant culture of Angono, Rizal during the Higantes Festival, imagine living in a community where creativity and celebration are part of daily living.
Camella in Rizal offers beautiful homes within thriving, artistic communities inspired by Filipino tradition and culture. Here, families can build their dreams close to the heart of the Higantes Festival, surrounded by art, nature, and modern comfort.
Celebrate life the Angono way, with gratitude, color, and creativity. Head to a Camella home in Rizal, where every day feels like a festival.
