While the annual Basaan Festival, more commonly referred to as the Wattah Wattah Festival in San Juan City, infamously drew disruption in the previous years’ celebration, this year’s disturbance happened beyond the festival zone, in Barangay Dayap, Calauan, Laguna.
The Basaan Festival is known to commemorate the feast of Saint John the Baptist in a manner where fiesta-goers douse themselves with water. It is apparent, however, that it has additionally been recognized as an event that causes much trouble in the course of its occasion, especially towards commuters and passersby.
As per a now deleted Facebook post, commuters situated inside a jeepney struggled to get by the area as locals blocked their path on the road and hoarded the vehicle altogether. Retrieved by Laguna News, the page shared the video showcasing the incident.
The unknown video publisher could be heard mocking the commuters as he mimicked those who pleaded them to stop, capturing one of the passengers taking to their defense by guarding the entrance point and windows of the jeepney while locals laughed at their plea.
A few residents also boarded the jeep with water dippers in hand, while others went as far as lifting the plastic covers on the vehicle’s windows, drenching passengers before eventually allowing them to leave the area.
Viewers of the post later encouraged the practice of respectfully honoring their tradition. Many sympathized for said commuters who had been affected by the forceful and invasive act, emphasizing the possible harm this may bring to those who choose not to partake in their festivities.
Social media users question whether this practice in the event is a true fiesta celebration or a perversion. Locals and witnesses have additionally called on their officials to take action as more reports have shared further instances of disorder.
As San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora managed to impose a “basaan zone” and assigned hours for the festival’s water activities this year, a number of Laguna locals called on a similar implementation for their city to improve these conditions for the next Wattah Wattah festival’s observance.
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