Melencio Neuda, center, and other devotees who participated in the mud people festival raise their hands during a mass on the feast day of Saint John the Baptist at Bibiclat, Nueva Ecija province, northern Philippines, Wednesday, June 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
Catholic devotee Mika Castillo, center, and her family members cover themselves with mud at a rice field to participate in the mud people festival on the feast day of Saint John the Baptist at Bibiclat, Nueva Ecija province, northern Philippines on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
Catholic devotees cover themselves with mud and dried banana leaves in a rice field during the mud people festival on the feast day of Saint John the Baptist at Bibiclat, Nueva Ecija province, northern Philippines on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
Catholic devotees cover carry dried banana leaves as they participate at the mud people festival on the feast day of Saint John the Baptist at Bibiclat, Nueva Ecija province, northern Philippines on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
A Catholic devotee covered in mud and dried banana leaves participates in the mud people festival on the feast day of Saint John the Baptist at Bibiclat, Nueva Ecija province, northern Philippines on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
A Catholic devotee covered in mud and dried banana leaves holds a rose during the mud people festival on the feast day of Saint John the Baptist at Bibiclat, Nueva Ecija province, northern Philippines on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
A Catholic devotee covered in mud and dried banana leaves participates in the mud people festival on the feast day of Saint John the Baptist at Bibiclat, Nueva Ecija province, northern Philippines on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
A Catholic devotee covered in mud and dried banana leaves holds candles during the mud people festival on the feast day of Saint John the Baptist at Bibiclat, Nueva Ecija province, northern Philippines on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
Catholic devotee covered in mud and dried banana leaves participate at the mud people festival on the feast day of Saint John the Baptist at Bibiclat, Nueva Ecija province, northern Philippines on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
A Catholic devotee covered in mud and dried banana leaves participate in the mud people festival on the feast day of Saint John the Baptist at Bibiclat, Nueva Ecija province, northern Philippines on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
Catholic devotees covered in mud and dried banana leaves receive communion at the mud people festival on the feast day of Saint John the Baptist at Bibiclat, Nueva Ecija province, northern Philippines on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
Catholic devotee covered in mud and dried banana leaves reacts as they participate at the mud people festival on the feast day of Saint John the Baptist at Bibiclat, Nueva Ecija province, northern Philippines on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
Catholic devotees covered in mud and dried banana leaves participate in the mud people festival on the feast day of Saint John the Baptist at Bibiclat, Nueva Ecija province, northern Philippines on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
Catholic devotee covered in mud and dried banana leaves participate at the mud people festival on the feast day of Saint John the Baptist at Bibiclat, Nueva Ecija province, northern Philippines on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
Catholic devotees covered in mud and dried banana leaves stands beside burning candles during the mud people festival on the feast day of Saint John the Baptist at Bibiclat, Nueva Ecija province, northern Philippines on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
Audio By Carbonatix
2:35 AM on Wednesday, June 24
By AARON FAVILA
BIBICLAT, Philippines (AP) — Devout Catholics smeared their bodies with mud and wore banana leaves as they participated in an annual festival in Bibiclat, a village in the Philippines, on Wednesday.
The Taong Putik, or Mud People, festival has been passed on from generation to generation in the community as a way of showing devotion to the village's patron saint, St. John the Baptist. Devotees come to thank the saint for miracles or fulfill vows made in prayer.
Local church leaders say the tradition dates back to the 1800s, when farmers smeared themselves with mud as an expression of humility and covered themselves with banana leaves to conceal their identities.
The rituals start before daybreak in the muddy fields and end at the Church of St. John the Baptist.
___
Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.
Bloomberg Radio is the world's only global 24-hour business radio station. >>Bloomberg Radio is the world's only global 24-hour business radio station. Powered by more than 2700 journalists and analysts in more than 120 countries, Bloomberg Radio's resources are unparalleled. Because the financial markets never sleep, . . . <<
Bill Gunderson provides listeners with financial guidance that is both >>Bill Gunderson provides listeners with financial guidance that is both experienced and accomplished. As stock market volatility rises to all time high, the need for value and safety rises as well. Gunderson navigates this turbulent environment, . . . . . <<
Bloomberg Radio is the world's only global 24-hour business radio station. >>Bloomberg Radio is the world's only global 24-hour business radio station. Powered by more than 2700 journalists and analysts in more than 120 countries, Bloomberg Radio's resources are unparalleled. Because the financial markets never sleep, . . . <<
Bill Gunderson provides listeners with financial guidance that is both >>Bill Gunderson provides listeners with financial guidance that is both experienced and accomplished. As stock market volatility rises to all time high, the need for value and safety rises as well. Gunderson navigates this turbulent environment, . . . . . <<
The Investing & Trading Live Radio Show hosted by Josh and Al pulls back the >>The Investing & Trading Live Radio Show hosted by Josh and Al pulls back the curtain on how the financial markets really work. Trading for income potential or investing to become a better steward of your life savings are key topics. We will discuss . . . <<
Salem Media, our partners, and affiliates use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your browsing experience, analyze site traffic, personalize site content, and deliver relevant video recommendations. By using this website and continuing to navigate, you consent to our use of such technologies and the sharing of video viewing activity with third-party partners in accordance with the Video Privacy Protection Act and other privacy laws.Privacy Policy
