Every 24th of June, devotees convert into Mud People in Aliaga, Nueva Ecija, Philippines. They soak themselves in mud, cover their bodies with dried banana leaves and participate in a Holy Mass. According to a local legend, the Mud People Festival traces its history from World War II. The Japanese soldiers were about to execute the villagers of Aliaga but a sudden heavy downpour occurred. The Japanese changed their decision and set the villagers free. Afterwards, survivors rolled in the mud in exultation and believed that being saved from the execution was a miracle of Saint John the Baptist.