Filipino devotees continue centuries-old mud ritual honoring St. John the Baptist

BIBICLAT, Aliaga, Nueva Ecija, Philippines — Hundreds of Catholic devotees covered their bodies with mud and wrapped themselves in dried banana leaves on Wednesday as Bibiclat, Aliaga, Nueva Ecija, once again became the center of the annual Taong Putik Festival, a unique religious tradition honoring St. John the Baptist.

Known as the “Mud People” festival, Taong Putik is held every June 24 during the feast day of St. John the Baptist. Devotees gather before sunrise, collect mud from nearby fields, smear it on their bodies, and wear dried banana leaves as they walk barefoot to the parish church to attend Mass and offer prayers.

The centuries-old practice has made Bibiclat one of the most recognized destinations for religious and cultural traditions in Nueva Ecija, attracting devotees who participate as an expression of humility, thanksgiving, and fulfillment of personal vows.

The devotion to St. John the Baptist in Bibiclat grew further after World War II. According to Rev. Elmer Villamayor, who served as parish priest from 2014 to 2021, residents believe the faith tradition gained deeper meaning after a group of local men escaped execution during the Japanese occupation. Villamayor said residents believe a sudden rainstorm interrupted the execution, an event many interpreted as divine intervention.

While no official attendance records are kept, Villamayor estimated that up to 3,000 devotees take part in the Taong Putik Festival each year, reflecting the enduring appeal of the tradition among generations of Novo Ecijanos and visitors.

For construction worker Melencio Nenuda, 39, the tradition became a lifelong commitment after a childhood experience shaped his faith. He recalled being frightened as a child whenever he saw mud-covered devotees passing through the community. His perspective changed when he became seriously ill in sixth grade and his mother prayed to St. John the Baptist, promising that he would join the tradition if he recovered.

“I will continue to go back to this tradition because it gives me a good future,” Nenuda said. He now participates with his wife and son.

The Taong Putik tradition is believed to have started in the 1800s when farmers covered themselves with mud as a symbol of humility. The dried banana leaves were said to represent anonymity and equality, particularly during a time when poor communities experienced social discrimination.

The devotion in Bibiclat became even stronger after World War II. According to Rev. Elmer Villamayor, who served as parish priest from 2014 to 2021, residents believe the tradition gained deeper meaning after local men survived execution during the Japanese occupation.

Villamayor said residents believe a sudden rainstorm interrupted the execution, which many interpreted as divine intervention and a blessing from St. John the Baptist.

While there are no official attendance records, Villamayor estimated that thousands of devotees participate in the festival each year.

Among them is Rickmar Castilio, 43, who has joined the ritual for two decades. This year, he brought his 11-year-old son Nathan to participate for the first time.

“There are a lot more devotees now,” Castilio said. “Maybe they have experienced miracles or they have seen good things and that is why there is an increasing number of people who believe in St. John.”

Castilio said his family’s devotion is also rooted in personal gratitude. After losing his first child, he vowed to continue honoring St. John the Baptist if he was blessed with another child who survived. He said he has returned every year since his prayer was answered.

“I bring my child so he will get closer to St. John,” Castilio said, adding that younger generations are now continuing the tradition.

Beyond the religious celebration, Taong Putik is also part of Nueva Ecija’s broader cultural identity. The province, known for its agricultural heritage and strong community traditions, highlights its local customs through celebrations such as Pistang Novo Ecijano, which showcases the history, faith, and cultural practices of Novo Ecijanos.

Through generations of devotees, the Taong Putik Festival remains a symbol of Filipino faith and heritage, preserving Bibiclat’s unique tradition while keeping alive the stories of devotion, hope, and gratitude behind the ritual.