How Has The Community Responded To The Wattah Wattah Festival 2024?

The vibrant streets of San Juan City come alive every June 24th as residents celebrate the Wattah Wattah Festival, also known as Basaan Festival.

This annual event, which coincides with the Feast of St. John the Baptist, the city’s patron saint, is a testament to the community’s deep-rooted faith and spirit.

However, this year’s festivities have been met with challenges and controversies, prompting the local government to take a stand and implement changes.

The History and Significance of Wattah Wattah Festival

The Wattah Wattah Festival, formerly known as the Feast of St. John the Baptist, was renamed and rebranded in 2012 by former San Juan City Mayor and now Senator JV Ejercito.

The festival’s name playfully echoes the Filipino pronunciation of “water,” a fitting tribute to the main activity—”basaan,” or the splashing of water on passersby. This act symbolizes the baptism of Jesus Christ by St. John the Baptist in the River Jordan, an event that holds significant spiritual meaning for the city’s residents.

Filipinos commemorate the birth of Saint John, who cleansed and prepared the people for the coming of Jesus Christ by baptizing them with water. Along with the birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary, John the Baptist’s birthday is the only one celebrated; most other saints are remembered on the day of their death or some other important date.

Matthew 3:11 quotes Saint John as saying:

“I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit, and with fire.”

Children and grown-ups alike line up the streets and generously douse passersby or unsuspecting commuters and visitors with water, supposedly to remind them of their baptism. They also enjoy engaging in water wars and other wet games using dippers, pails, hoses, and even water pistols.

Controversies and Criticisms Surrounding the Festival

While the Wattah Wattah Festival is a cherished tradition, it has also earned the ire of several citizens living around San Juan City. Reports of celebrants dousing water recklessly on workers, students, and even public vehicles with passengers passing by the area have surfaced.

One notable incident involved a single mother who claimed to have lost a job opportunity due to the festival’s rowdy revelers. The woman shared her story on social media, recounting how she borrowed formal attire and secured her documents for an important interview, only to be drenched by a group of around 20 young people armed with water guns, buckets, and hoses. 

Her post gained traction online, prompting San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora to take notice and address the issue.

Other accounts include doused thesis papers, children almost “getting drowned” by the amount of water thrown at them, and passersby getting their vehicle windows smashed. The local government has apologized to individuals inconvenienced by the Basaan and is actively gathering evidence of the reported disorderly behavior.

Mayor Francis Zamora Takes a Stand

In response to the controversies, San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora has expressed his disappointment and vowed to take action. He accompanied a Lalamove rider in filing a complaint against a reveler who allegedly drenched the rider, his mobile phone, and the documents he was carrying during the festival.

Zamora assured the public that the city government would provide all necessary support to the complainants in their pursuit of justice. He emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and respect during public celebrations.

“I am very disappointed with the behavior of a few who managed to put a blight on the celebration of the Feast of St. John the Baptist. We will not tolerate any form of misconduct that disrupts our community events and endangers the well-being of our citizens. Our city’s festivals are meant to unite us in celebration, not to be tarnished by the reckless actions of a few.”

The mayor also announced the creation of “Basaan Zones” where residents can safely participate in the traditional water dousing activity. This demonstrates a commitment to addressing past issues while preserving cultural traditions in a controlled environment.

Balancing Tradition and Water Conservation

Amid the El Niño phenomenon and the nation’s water conservation efforts, the Wattah Wattah Festival 2024 has adapted its celebrations. Mayor Zamora explained that only three fire trucks, down from the usual 50, would participate in the parade.

“As we conduct our religious and cultural practices, we realize that we should also be sensitive to the plight of the rest of the country that recently experienced extreme heat.”

Historically, fire trucks from various regions, including Bulacan and Nueva Ecija, would join in the festivities. This year’s limitation is part of the city’s ongoing efforts to address water scarcity. The mayor encourages San Juan residents to balance tradition with their responsibility to conserve water.

The Significance of St. John the Baptist

St. John the Baptist, the patron saint of San Juan City, was the son of Zachary, a priest of the Temple in Jerusalem, and Elizabeth, a relative of Mary. He lived as a hermit but eventually started preaching and calling men to penance and baptism on the banks of the Jordan River. His message, “for the kingdom of heaven is at hand,” attracted many followers, including Jesus Christ, who sought baptism from John.

The Wattah Wattah Festival not only commemorates the baptism of Jesus Christ but also celebrates the continuous blessings and success of San Juan City. Mayor Zamora emphasized the religious significance of the Basaan tradition:

“Ito po ay simbolismo ng pagbibinyag ni San Juan Bautista kay Hesu Kristo. Ito ay religiously significant. Hindi ito para lang mambasa ng tao. Kaya mahalaga po talaga ang Basaan sa araw ng aming kapistahan.”
(This is a symbolism of the baptism of Jesus Christ by St. John the Baptist. This is religiously significant. It’s not just about splashing water on people. That’s why the Basaan is really important on the day of our feast.)

Looking Forward: Wattah Wattah Festival 2025

As San Juan City reflects on the challenges and lessons learned from the Wattah Wattah Festival 2024, the local government remains committed to preserving the tradition while ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants and the community at large.

Mayor Zamora’s proactive measures, such as designating “Basaan Zones” and limiting the number of fire trucks in the parade, demonstrate a willingness to adapt and find a balance between celebration and responsibility. The city’s efforts to gather evidence and hold accountable those who engaged in disorderly behavior send a clear message that such actions will not be tolerated in future festivities.

Looking ahead to the Wattah Wattah Festival 2025, the community of San Juan City has an opportunity to come together and reaffirm the true spirit of the celebration—one of faith, unity, and respect.

By working hand in hand with the local government and taking personal responsibility for their actions, residents and visitors alike can ensure that the festival remains a joyous and meaningful occasion for generations to come.

As the city prepares for next year’s festivities, it is essential to remember the words of St. John the Baptist, whose life and teachings continue to inspire and guide the community:

“I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit, and with fire.”

May the Wattah Wattah Festival continue to be a testament to the resilience, faith, and unity of San Juan City, as it navigates the challenges of the present and looks forward to a brighter future.

Bottom Line, the San Juan community has had mixed reactions to the Wattah Wattah Festival in 2024

1. Concerns over rowdy behavior: Many residents and passersby expressed frustration and anger over the unruly conduct of some festival participants. Reports surfaced of revelers forcibly opening vehicles to douse passengers, damaging property, and harassing individuals who did not wish to participate. This led to complaints on social media and calls for better regulation of the festival.
2. Apology and investigation by local government: In response to the public outcry, San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora apologized for the chaos and inconvenience caused by some participants. The local government launched an investigation, gathering evidence and encouraging victims to file complaints. They vowed to hold violators accountable and prevent similar incidents in the future.
3. Debate over the festival’s origins and relevance: The controversies sparked discussions among the community about the roots of the Wattah Wattah Festival and whether it should continue in its current form. Some questioned if the festival had deviated too far from its religious origins honoring St. John the Baptist. Others argued that the festival should be better organized and regulated, similar to other religious and cultural celebrations in the Philippines.
4. Efforts to balance tradition and responsibility: Mayor Zamora emphasized that the Wattah Wattah Festival holds cultural and religious significance for the city, but acknowledged the need for participants to celebrate responsibly. The local government took steps to designate specific areas for water-splashing and limit the number of firetrucks in the parade in light of the El Niño phenomenon and water conservation efforts.
5. Legal consequences for violators: At least six individuals faced charges for their alleged harassment and disorderly conduct during the festival. The local government assisted victims in filing complaints and encouraged amicable settlements for property damage cases.