Angono Higantes Festival all set

Angono, referred to as the Art Capital of the Philippines, has been celebrating the annual Higantes Festival which has been drawing hundreds of thousands of foreign and local tourists wanting a glimpse of the parade of giant papier-mâchés made by town-bas

Angono, Rizal Mayor Jeri Mae Calderon wished a “meaningful celebration” of this year’s Higantes Festival as she urged her constituents to celebrate the tradition peacefully and orderly — and with utmost discipline.

“I am calling on my constituents to celebrate our tradition orderly and with discipline,” Calderon told this reporter in an interview.

Calderon said drinking sprees on the streets are strictly prohibited.

“I don’t think that’s part of the tradition because we want the people to be disciplined in celebrating this,” she said.

The festival is the town’s thanksgiving in honor of its patron, Saint Clement, whose feast days will be 22 and 23 November.

Angono, referred to as the Art Capital of the Philippines, has been celebrating the annual Higantes Festival which has been drawing hundreds of thousands of foreign and local tourists wanting a glimpse of the parade of giant papier-mâchés made by town-based artists.

For this year, Higantes Festival embarked on a month-long festivity which included trade exhibit, art shows, pageants, itikcooking competition, battle of endurance, floating parade, water-dousing (basaan), among many, tree-planting, and bike run among many others starting October until 23 November.

With the expected huge crowd this year, the local government has also started implementing measures to ensure the safety of tourists, visitors and residents in time for the town’s most colorful and lively festival.

Calderon ordered local authorities to prepare for the celebration including the grand parade of the town’s “giants.”