What is the Higantes Festival?
The Higantes Festival is a secular parade tradition born from the town's desire to express gratitude to San Clemente, the patron saint of fishermen and seafarers. Held annually on November 22-23 (with the main parade on the Sunday before November 23), the festival showcases the artistic talent and cultural identity of Angono's residents. The word "higante" simply means "giant" in Filipino, perfectly describing these imposing papier-mâché figures that dominate the streets during the celebration.
What makes Higantes unique among Philippine festivals is the craftsmanship and community involvement. Each giant is meticulously handmade, featuring intricate hand-painted details, exaggerated facial expressions, and colorful traditional costumes. The parade itself is an explosion of color, music, and energy that attracts thousands of visitors from across Metro Manila and beyond.
Giant Puppets Parade
Watch hundreds of 10-12 foot tall handcrafted papier-mâché giants march through Angono's streets with elaborate costumes and painted faces
Fluvial Procession
A water-based religious ceremony on Laguna de Bay honoring San Clemente with traditional boats decorated with flowers and religious icons
Cultural Performances & Entertainment
Street performers, dance competitions, live music, fashion shows, and art exhibits throughout the festival grounds
Festival Highlights & Schedule
The Higantes Festival runs over two days in late November, with activities building to the spectacular main parade. While the exact dates shift slightly each year to ensure the main parade falls on a Sunday, expect celebrations around November 22-23.
The Main Attractions
The main event is undoubtedly the parade of giants down M.L. Quezon Avenue in Angono's San Isidro barangay. Thousands of onlookers line the streets to witness these remarkable creations pass by, often dancing and cheering as each giant approaches. The parade typically features dozens of giants, each unique in design and character.
Beyond the main parade, the festival includes a fluvial procession on Laguna de Bay, where devotees carry religious icons and statues of San Clemente on decorated boats. This solemn yet festive component reflects the spiritual roots of the celebration--honoring the saint who has long protected local fishermen and their families.
Practical Festival Information
The Higantes Festival is held in Angono, Rizal, located approximately 30 kilometers east of Metro Manila. The parade takes place on M.L. Quezon Avenue in the town center. Arrive early to secure good viewing spots, as the streets become crowded as the parade approaches.
Getting There: From Manila, take Ortigas Avenue Extension or Marcos Highway toward Angono, Rizal. You can also take buses from Cubao or EDSA-Shaw that head toward Binangonan or Angono--these will drop you near the town center. Travel time is approximately 1-1.5 hours depending on traffic.
Parking: Parking can be limited during the festival, so arriving early is recommended if you're driving. Consider using public transportation or ride-sharing services like Grab for convenience.
Accommodations: Hotels and accommodations in Angono fill up quickly during the festival. Consider booking early or staying in nearby towns or back in Metro Manila (just 1 hour away). Several budget-friendly options are available in the area.
What to Bring: Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring sun protection (hat, sunscreen) as the festival is outdoors. Bring water and snacks, though food vendors are abundant throughout the festival grounds. A camera is essential for capturing the colorful spectacle.
Food & Local Specialties
The festival transforms Angono into a food lover's destination. Vendors throughout the streets offer traditional Filipino dishes and specialties. Try local favorites like lechon (roast pig), adobo (stewed meat), sinigang (sour soup), grilled seafood, and various street food specialties. Many vendors set up food stalls specifically for the festival, making it easy to enjoy authentic Filipino cuisine while enjoying the festivities.
Lola Idang's: A local favorite serving traditional Filipino home cooking. Reservations recommended during festival season.
Laguna de Bay Seafood Restaurants: Several restaurants along the bay's shoreline serve fresh seafood with views of the water. These offer a more casual dining experience than formal restaurants.
Why Visit the Higantes Festival?
The Higantes Festival offers a rare glimpse into authentic Filipino cultural expression. Unlike commercialized events, this celebration remains rooted in community tradition and artistic pride. Witnessing these massive handcrafted giants is a humbling reminder of Filipino creativity and craftsmanship. The festival celebrates not just religious devotion to a patron saint, but the collective spirit of an entire town expressing gratitude for blessings and prosperity.
For visitors seeking authentic cultural experiences beyond typical tourist attractions, the Higantes Festival is an unforgettable day trip from Metro Manila. It's an ideal activity for those interested in Philippine culture, traditional crafts, community celebrations, and photography.
