The General Trias City government is implementing a regulated "Basaan" festival in conjunction with the celebration of the Feast of San Juan, ensuring that the traditional drenching revelry is conducted safely, properly, and with respect for other people's dignity.
Keeping the Tradition Alive, Safely
The Feast of San Juan is one of Cavite's most anticipated annual celebrations, with the traditional "Basaan" or water dousing drawing thousands of residents and visitors eager to join the festive revelry. In General Trias City, the celebration is centered on the Karakol ni San Juan festival, particularly in Barangay San Juan 1 and 2, where participants line the streets to douse each other and passersby with water. While the tradition is meant to be joyful, it has also been known to cause inconvenience and, in some cases, harm when revelers go overboard.
To ensure that the celebration remains fun and orderly, the city government has enacted City Ordinance 26-54, or the Regulated Basaan Ordinance, which imposes clear guidelines for this year's festivities. Mayor Luis Ferrer IV emphasized the importance of celebrating responsibly, saying, "In the celebration of the Feast of San Juan, let's celebrate together to keep the annual tradition that has become a part of the culture in the city and the entire province of Cavite happy and safe" . He also reminded residents to "be careful, respect others, and cooperate in maintaining order during the celebration".
What's Allowed, What's Not
To keep the celebration safe, the ordinance establishes specific rules that all participants must follow. Water dousing is permitted only from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. and is restricted to Karakol participants in designated areas. The use of dirty water, water bombs, bottles, and any containers that can cause harm is strictly prohibited, as is the use of high-pressure water hoses. The city also prohibits forcibly opening vehicles, hanging on to passing cars, intimidating passengers, and demanding money from motorists . Carrying and drinking alcohol in public areas is likewise banned.
Violators face penalties of PHP5,000 or imprisonment for up to 20 days, while violators aged 10 to 17 will be referred to the Department of Social Welfare and Development . By balancing the preservation of cultural tradition with the need for public safety, General Trias City is setting an example for other communities in Cavite that celebrate the Feast of San Juan. With these measures in place, residents and visitors can enjoy the "Basaan" festival with peace of mind, knowing that the celebration is being managed with their safety and dignity in mind.
