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 Magnolia News
The Taong Putik festival in the Philippine village of Bibiclat has a unique history and cultural significance, but for Magnolia residents, it may evoke thoughts of their own community's cultural events and traditions. The city's own festivals and fairs, which celebrate the local heritage and bring residents together, share a similar spirit of community and faith. The fact that the Taong Putik festival has been able to thrive for centuries, despite its humble beginnings as a expression of humility and survival, is a testament to the power of tradition and cultural identity. As Magnolia continues to grow and diversify, it's worth considering how the city can support and celebrate its own cultural events, and how these events can bring residents together and foster a sense of community. By looking to examples like the Taong Putik festival, Magnolia can work to create its own unique cultural traditions that reflect the city's values and heritage.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) . Magnolia News 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 KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: government ·
Published: June 24, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
Reading time: 3 min
Get more Magnolia News stories like this
Free weekly briefing covering government and other local news. Curated by our editorial team. No spam.
By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy . Unsubscribe anytime.
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 KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for Magnolia News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Joeal Calupitian, Aaron Favila And María Teresa Hernández, Associated Press at KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how Magnolia News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more government coverage from Magnolia News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
← Back to all news
More government →
Today’s briefing
Subscribe to newsletter