Mayor Francis Zamora Prohibits “Basaan” During Wattah Wattah Festival in San Juan City
San Juan City is prohibiting the “Basaan” or water blessing during the celebration of Wattah Wattah Festival on Wednesday (June 24, 2020).
Mayor Francis Zamora announced that San Juan City temporarily prohibits the traditional “basaan” or the dousing of water during the festival. The announcement has been made as compliance to physical distancing measures.
Zamora also explained that the suspension of water blessing during the festival is in accordance with Executive Order No. 42, Series of 2020. The order aims to prevent the possible spread of the coronavirus disease 2019.
“Alinsunod na rin sa Executive Order No. 42, Series of 2020 na aking nilagdaan, pansamantalang ipinagbabawal po muna ang nakasanayan nating basaan para maiwasan ang panganib na dala ng hawaan dahil sa tubig at sa pagkukumpulan ng mga tao sa kalye tuwing nagbabasaan,” Zamora said on his Instagram post.
The celebration will start by blessing the float of St. John the Baptist at the City Hall around 8:00 am. It will be followed by a parade but the attendees were advised to observe the guidelines of IATF on COVID-19.
Only 10 people will be allowed to attend the mass, which will be held at St. John the Baptist Parish at 6:00 pm, according to IATF measures.
Here is the full post:
Wattah Wattah Festival or Basaan Festival is an annual event celebrating the Feast of St. John the Baptist in San Juan City. People usually splash water on everyone imitating John the Baptist who baptized people.
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