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 KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)
· 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 Pearland
In Pearland , where community events and cultural festivals are a staple of the city's vibrant atmosphere, the story of the Taong Putik, or Mud People, festival in the Philippines resonates with locals who value tradition and faith. The annual celebration, which honors St. John the Baptist, showcases the power of devotion and the impact it can have on individuals and communities. As Pearland continues to grow and diversify, it's likely that similar cultural and religious events will become more prominent, highlighting the city's ability to embrace and celebrate its diverse heritage. The fact that the Mud People festival has been able to thrive for centuries, despite its humble beginnings, is a testament to the enduring power of faith and community, and serves as an interesting counterpoint to the city's own cultural landscape. Pearland residents may find inspiration in the festival's unique blend of tradition and devotion.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . The Pearland 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 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: government ·
Published: June 24, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
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 KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for The Pearland readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Joeal Calupitian, Aaron Favila And María Teresa Hernández, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how The Pearland selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more government coverage from The Pearland, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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