government
Philippine devotees honor St. John the Baptist with a mud-covered display of faith
By Joeal Calupitian, Aaron Favila And María Teresa Hernández, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· June 24, 2026
· 3 min read
Hundreds of Catholic devotees wrapped themselves in dried banana leaves and covered their bodies with mud on Wednesday in the Philippine village of Bibiclat, taking part in a display of faith honoring St. John the Baptist. The Taong Putik, or Mud People, festival is held annually in this village ...
Key takeaway Melencio Nenuda, a 39-year-old construction worker, said the mud-covered parishioners frightened him as a child and he used to hide when they passed by.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
In San Antonio , where Catholicism plays a significant role in the community, the story of the Taong Putik festival in the Philippines resonates with local residents who value faith and tradition. The city's own vibrant cultural scene, shaped by its Hispanic and Catholic heritage, is home to numerous festivals and processions throughout the year, showcasing the importance of spiritual devotion in everyday life. The fact that the Taong Putik festival has endured for centuries, despite its humble beginnings as a gesture of humility and survival, speaks to the power of faith in bringing people together and transcending adversity. As San Antonio continues to grow and evolve, it is likely that residents will draw inspiration from such stories, highlighting the universal language of faith and community that unites people across cultures and borders. The city's own Catholic community may find common ground with the devotees of St. John the Baptist, reflecting on the ways in which faith shapes their own lives and traditions.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: government ·
Published: June 24, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Hundreds of Catholic devotees wrapped themselves in dried banana leaves and covered their bodies with mud on Wednesday in the Philippine village of Bibiclat, taking part in a display of faith honoring St. John the Baptist. The Taong Putik, or Mud People, festival is held annually in this village ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 24, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Joeal Calupitian, Aaron Favila And María Teresa Hernández, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more government coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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