Photos show Philippine Catholics smearing mud on their bodies for festival honoring John the Baptist

In Bibiclat, Philippines, an annual tradition called Taong Putik, or Mud People, saw Catholics smearing their bodies with mud and donning banana leaves during a festival honoring John the Baptist. This centuries-old practice symbolizes deep devotion and reverence within the community. The festival highlights the rich cultural and religious heritage of the region, blending local customs with Catholic traditions, which is significant in understanding the interplay between indigenous practices and introduced faiths.