Residents of Lemery, Batangas, celebrated the feast of St. John the Baptist on June 24 with joyful festivities, including a street zumba party and a water-soaking tradition.

The atmosphere was filled with laughter and shouts of "Bawal ang pikon!" as locals enjoyed the annual tradition.

"Ipinapaliwanag namin na bawal kayo magalit kasi po ito na po 'yung nakasanayan, taun-taon," Michelle Astillar, a resident, said.

"Isang araw lang naman 'to, lagi namang garne naman tuwing isang taon. Laging garne sa Barangay San Juan, laging masaya, tuwing [pista ni] San Juan," John Cedrick Mendoza, a motorist, said.

Despite the rain, many motorists couldn't escape being sprayed and drenched by eager residents lining the streets.

Families joined in the fun, roaming around to join in the water festivities.

"Minsan lang naman ho mangyari sa isang taon kaya sobrang saya namin," Katrina Gonzales, another resident, said.

Meanwhile, in nearby Taal town, residents also observed the tradition using water guns, buckets, and tabos, aiming to get everyone soaked.

"Talagang lumalabas sila [at] nagbabasa, tapos habang nagbabasa ang iba may mga handaan sila [at] may pakain," Jesus Tolentino, Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Officer, said.

Residents said the tradition is a joyful expression of gratitude for blessings received from the Lord.