Yesterday, I went to Makati City, Philippines to witness the Caracol Festival. The first time I heard of these festival was in 2006, but I wasn’t able to witness it because I went to Bacolod then. Last year I also skipped this event for Cebu Sinulog Festival. Now, I no longer have any reasons for skipping this event. It’s actually my first time seeing this parade.

Caracol is derived from a Spanish word meaning “Snail.” As the name implies, the theme of the festival revolves around the preservation of the Mother Earth. Young kids from elementary schools as well as the High School and College students all dressed up in various Mother Nature theme. There were kids dressed as bees, sea horses, jellyfish, birds, tarsiers, flowers and grasshoppers. There we also some dressed as rice planters and illegal wood cutters to complete the whole picture.

The parade started late because of the drizzle. That’s fine. I know the organizers a re keen in protecting the well-being of these students. What really disappointed me is that these so-called “dancers” just walked down the streets of Makati Avenue instead of dancing. They just did their presentation at the judging area near the Park Square 1 building, were only a few people got to witness. The place is so small, and the view is obstructed by several trees and a lamp post. I guess the number of people who watched in the street is far greater than the number of the people cramped in the judging area. That is why they should have added street dance criteria to their judging mechanics.

Another thing that pissed me off is the power fluctuation in the judging area. I did not finish the performances at the judging area, but I have seen at least two power fluctuations which lead to two contingents dancing and performing their routine even without the music.

I see a big potential in this festival. I just hope that the organizers can very well improve it for the next year’s edition. And have a street dance, please.

View the Caracol Festival Photo Slideshow here

More travel tales here.

Upcoming Festivals to watch out for!

Sinulog 2010
Ati-atihan 2010
Dinagyang 2010
Panagbenga Festival 2010
Philippine International hot Air Balloon fiesta 2009 Clark Pampanga