Thousands of Catholics walk barefoot in mud ritual for St. John the Baptist
Devotees in the Philippines covered themselves in mud and banana leaves for the annual Taong Putik festival, walking barefoot in procession to honour St. John the Baptist and give thanks for answered prayers.
Annual Tradition
Thousands of Catholic devotees in the Philippines gathered in rice paddies for the annual 'Taong Putik' festival honouring St. John the Baptist. Men, women and children smeared mud on their faces and heads, dipped dried banana leaves into the fields, and then walked barefoot along village roads carrying candles.
Gratitude and Vows
The ritual is held each year as devotees give thanks for answered prayers and fulfil vows made to the saint. After leaving the rice fields, the mud-covered devotees head to St. John the Baptist Church for Mass, where hymns are sung near small fires made from candle offerings.
Large Participation
Thousands are thought to have joined the procession, highlighting the deep religious devotion in the community.
