Historical Significance
The Maliputo Festival in San Nicolas, Batangas is held to honor the maliputo, a rare fish found in Taal Lake and the Pansipit River. The festival began in the late 1990s as a way to promote the town’s local product and unite the community. Celebrated every August 9th during the town’s founding anniversary, it reflects how the people of San Nicolas depend on the lake for their livelihood and how deeply the maliputo is woven into their history and daily life. Over the years, the event has also become a reminder to protect the fish and the environment that sustains it.
Unique Traditions
One of the festival’s most popular highlights is the Maliputo Cookfest, where locals showcase their creativity by preparing various dishes made with maliputo fish. The celebration also features street dancing competitions, colorful parades, and trade fairs displaying local products and crafts. Participants often wear vibrant costumes inspired by the fish and the lake, expressing their pride in local culture and natural resources. These traditions not only bring the community together but also attract visitors who come to experience the unique character of San Nicolas.
Video from Angela Mae Reyes
Cultural Impact
The Maliputo Festival plays a vital role in strengthening the cultural identity and pride of the people of San Nicolas. It supports local businesses—especially fishermen, food vendors, and craftsmen—by providing opportunities to showcase and sell their products. Beyond its economic benefits, the festival promotes tourism and raises awareness about environmental conservation, particularly the importance of sustainable fishing in Taal Lake. Through the Maliputo Festival, the people of San Nicolas celebrate not just their traditions and livelihood, but also their unity and shared responsibility in preserving their environment.