The city government of Makati, through its Museum and Cultural Affairs Office, will stage the 31st Caracol Festival on Sunday at 4 p.m. at the Globe Circuit Events Grounds in Barangay Olympia, Makati City.
Makati Mayor Abby Binay said everyone is invited to join the Caracol Festival, Makati’s version of Mardi Gras, which showcases the city’s advocacy for environmental protection and preservation.
“We are inviting residents, tourists and the general public to come and join us in one of the most colorful and exciting events in the city, dedicated to promoting a deeper sense of appreciation and caring for the gifts of Mother Nature, especially among the youth,” Binay said.
“The festival name, Caracol, was derived from the Spanish word for snail, with its shell regarded as a symbol of protection from the harshness of life,” the mayor said.
“To us in Makati, Caracol alludes not only to the city’s firm commitment to a healthy and sustainable environment, but also to its resiliency against disasters arising from climate change,” Binay said.
The mayor also thanked the sponsors of this year’s Caracol—Circuit Makati; Ayala Land; Make it Happen, Make it Makati Initiative; and Manila Bulletin.
MCAO officer in charge May Santillan said the festival will start at 4 p.m. with a parade of around 5,000 performers along A.P. Reyes Avenue going to the Globe Circuit Grounds. The assembly area will be at Hippodromo Street in Barangay Olympia.
Santillan also said the highlight of the festivity is a dance competition where participants are dressed up in colorful, nature-inspired costumes like flowers, insects, and rare animals.
There will be 12 competing groups this year, three in the elementary category, three in high school, and six from the barangay clusters, three for each district. Each dance group will have 30 to 40 members excluding musicians and propsmen.
The will be judged based on costume originality, beauty and creativity, and performance level of their dance. Special awards will be given for the best costume and best choreography.