SAN JUAN CITY, (PIA) — The much-anticipated Wattah! Wattah! Festival 2024 of San Juan City kicks off early Monday morning, promising a day filled with lively activities, cultural traditions, and community spirit. Mayor Francis Zamora led the festivities with residents and visitors alike.
The festival began early dawn with an energetic Zumba session at the Pinaglabanan Shrine, where early risers started the day with a burst of energy amidst Unang Hirit coverage. This is followed by a solemn mass dedicated to St. John the Baptist, setting a reflective tone for the day’s events.
The official flag-raising ceremony took place at 6:30 a.m. at the Pinaglabanan Shrine, symbolizing the unity and pride of San Juan City.
At around 6:45 a.m., the blessing of the Santong Tao floats and firetrucks commenced, signaling the start of the Basaan Parade.
The parade featured the Santong Tao floats, representing various stages of St. John the Baptist’s life, followed by the float carrying the image of the saint and priests from the parish, who blessed the faithful lined up along the route.
In solidarity with the nation’s water conservation efforts due to the El Niño phenomenon, only three fire trucks, down from the usual 50, participated in the parade.
“As we conduct our religious and cultural practices, we realize that we should also be sensitive to the plight of the rest of the country that recently experienced extreme heat,” explained Mayor Zamora.
A street dancing competition showcased the talent and cultural heritage of various barangays in the city. The mayor expressed his excitement for the event, stating, “The Wattah! Wattah! Festival is a celebration of our city’s rich history and vibrant community spirit. I encourage everyone to participate and enjoy the festivities.”
The festivities will conclude today with a Misa Mayor and the elevation of the St. John the Baptist Parish into an Archdiocesan Shrine at 5:00 p.m.
Mayor Zamora will formally endorse the city’s resolution declaring St. John the Baptist as the city’s Official Patron Saint, and the Archdiocese of Manila is set to bestow the prestigious distinction upon the 130-year-old parish church.
“This is such a great year and definitely a meaningful fiesta celebration for our city. The elevation of our beloved parish into an Archdiocesan Shrine makes it so much more memorable and significant, and we feel so blessed to be residents of San Juan City,” the mayor said.
The Wattah! Wattah! Festival is an annual celebration that honors the patron saint of San Juan City, St. John the Baptist. The festivities commemorate the life and teachings of St. John the Baptist, a revered figure in Catholicism.
The festival has deep cultural and religious roots, with traditions that have been passed down through generations of San Juan residents. It is a time for the community to come together, celebrate their shared heritage, and strengthen their bonds. (JVD/PIA-NCR)
