Makati City celebrates the Caracol Festival every 18th of January. The festival is the result of the city government's goal to preserve the cultural heritage of the district. The word "caracol" means snail or shell in Spanish.
Clad in a variety of outfits, participants of the activities dress in colorful costumes adorned with fruits and flowers, and of different styles in the shapes of animals and trees. Caracol Festival brings an atmosphere like that of the Mardi Gras. Street competitions and a parade are held on the streets of the city.
As evidence of the growing support for the festival and protection of natural resources, different sectors of the city join in the celebrations. Even school children join the parade. They sometimes wear make-up in panda or cat look. Some are clad in costumes of flowers, fishes, and other animals.
Complementary to this aim is Makati City's endeavor to preserve the environment. One of the Caracol Festival's goals is to enhance awareness amongst the populace on the growing threat to the environment of the growing industrialization.
