Paper mache puppets tower above crowds at Philippines’ Higante Festival
Giant, larger-than-life puppets with paper mâché heads tower above the crowds. They symbolize the corrupt hacienda owners who lived in Angono during the Spanish rule.
- 1 year ago
December 1, 2022
ANGONO, Rizal, Philippines ꟷ After a pause due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the annual Higante Festival returns in the streets of Angono in the Rizal province of the Philippines. While many towns throughout the world celebrate their history, Rizal take a unique approach.
At the Higante Festival, giant, larger-than-life puppets with paper mache heads tower above the crowds. They symbolize the corrupt hacienda owners who lived in Angono during the Spanish rule. They mostly represent a sign of mockery, but some puppets do personify a famous person or entertainer. The display brings joy to local residents and attracts many tourists.
Read more stories from the Philippines at Orato World Media.
At the Higante Festival’s inception, residents constructed the puppets out of bamboo frames, paper mache heads, and local textiles for clothing. Today, modern materials make the process more creative. Most use aluminum frames for the body because it is lighter and allows for more creativity.
The parade began at 7:00 a.m. near Angono’s border with Taytay. The procession moved through town and ended at municipal hall at 10:00 a.m
All photos courtesy of George Buid.
