About Higantes Festival
Celebrated every November in Angono, Rizal, the Higantes Festival is a vibrant display of art, culture, and devotion. Known as the “Art Capital of the Philippines,” Angono comes alive with towering papier-mâché giants, colorful street parades, and lively performances that honor San Clemente, the town’s patron saint.
The street dancers were all tireless and were still fierce, even though the sun was hot. Instead of following the routes of the festival, we walked on the streets nearby and talked to the residents about the Higantes Festival and its history. It was mentioned by the residents that the procession will proceed to Pagoda, a place where the fluvial parade usually starts.
As I mentioned above, without any idea about the Higantes Festival, we were just holding the words from the residents about the preparation, and we continued walking the streets to the Pagoda. While en route, I and Mae were shocked when the residents threw water on us, then explained that it’s part of the Higantes celebration, like the basaan during San Juan fiesta. Explanation accepted! Lesson learned! Instead of feeling horrified, we embraced it and continued walking to the Pagoda.
We arrived at the Pagoda at around 10 AM, and locals there mentioned that it usually takes a few hours before the arrival. So instead of waiting, we decided to leave the area and proceed to the highway to witness the colorful procession. Paintings and other handcrafted works of art can be found everywhere. We were both starving, so we looked for a place to dine. Out of curiosity, instead of having an international taste, we chose something exotic at Balaw-balaw Restaurant, just by the highway.
The Higantes Festival is more than just a cultural spectacle—it is a celebration of Angono’s artistry, heritage, and community spirit. With its towering giants and festive atmosphere, the event continues to inspire pride and joy among locals and visitors alike.
As someone who has visited all 82 provinces in the Philippines, I’ve created a complete guide to help you explore each one. Check out my Philippines 82 Provinces Travel Guide here.
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