WATTAH! WATTAH!

The Wattah Wattah Festival, also called the Basaan Festival, is an annual celebration held every June 24 to honor St. John the Baptist birth, San Juan City's patron saint. The central theme of the festival is the dousing of water, symbolizing St. John's role in baptizing Jesus Christ in the River Jordan. The practice of "basaan" also symbolizes purification and blessings for the year to those who will get splashed with water.

The tradition has evolved over the years, with San Juaneños and visitors enthusiastically splashing water on each other, creating a joyful and festive atmosphere.

The festival also includes street dancing, parades, and cultural performances, showcasing the city's rich heritage and vibrant spirit. While the tradition of water-dousing remains the heart of the celebration, the festivities have grown to include various forms of entertainment, making it a fun and lively event for everyone involved.

KULTURA AT SINING SA KAPASKUHAN SA MAKABAGONG SAN JUAN

“Kultura at Sining sa Kapaskuhan sa Makabagong San Juan” is San Juan City’s flagship cultural celebration that marks the official launch of its annual Christmas Festival—an immersive, month-long spectacle that transforms the city into a radiant hub of Filipino holiday tradition, creativity, and community spirit.

Held every December, this vibrant festival kicks off with a grand ceremonial lighting of the iconic Giant Christmas Tree at the Pinaglabanan Memorial Shrine. Simultaneously, the Pinaglabanan Shrine Open Grounds come alive with a dynamic lineup of festivities, including a breathtaking fireworks display, live performances, and the highly anticipated opening of the “Kapaskuhan sa Makabagong San Juan” Christmas Bazaar Night Market.