By Richielyn Canlas
Around 7,000 people joined the traditional “Basaan,” or water dousing, in San Juan City during the Feast of St. John the Baptist, known as the Wattah! Wattah! Festival, on Wednesday, June 24.
The Eastern Police District (EPD) reported that the crowd grew to 7,000 by 12 p.m., up from about 6,000 at 9:30 a.m.
San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora and city officials led the water-dousing activity aboard fire trucks at the Basaan Zone along Pinaglabanan Street, between N. Domingo and P. Guevarra Streets.
The local government said around 36 fire trucks were used in the activity, which ran until 2 p.m.
About 475 police personnel were also deployed to ensure the festival’s orderly and safe conduct.
Despite light rain, the celebration continued, with attendees bringing their own water guns for added enjoyment.
Before the water-dousing began at around 7 a.m., a fiesta Mass was held at the Archdiocesan Shrine of St. John the Baptist, followed by the Santong Tao Float Parade depicting the life of St. John the Baptist around the city.
The following activities were prohibited during the celebration: using dirty water and harmful materials such as water bombs, plastic bags, bottles, ice, and similar objects; forcibly opening vehicles; threatening or harming individuals; climbing on or shaking vehicles; boarding vehicles to throw water; entry of unauthorized fire trucks; and the use of high-pressure water sprayers, except for registered fire trucks participating in the Basaan.
Mayor Zamora explained that the water-dousing tradition during the feast is a re-enactment of the baptism of Jesus Christ by St. John the Baptist.
The Basaan also featured performances headlined by Maki, along with sets from DJ Blue, DJ Patrick Cruz, BDICT, Eric V, and DJ Chelsea. The event was hosted by Love Radio’s Nicole Hyala.
