Although more known as the premier business district of the Philippines, Makati plays host to the lively merrymaking of the Caracol Festival at the newly-opened Circuit Makati in Barangay Carmona.  Although various events and performances were held during the weeks leading to the event, the grand celebration and parade was held last February 24.

The Festival itself is Makati's Mardi Gras, merrymaking and parades and dancing on the streets of this upscale part of Metro Manila.  It also hopes to foster greater awareness of environmental concerns like the conservation and protection of nature through a colorful display of the people of Makati in colorful costumes in nature-inspired themes. 

Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin S. Binay was quoted as saying: “We invite everyone to join us in our grand celebration this Sunday at Circuit Makati.  This year’s Caracol Festival will be more spectacular with its fresh venue and greater variety of performers vying to win in the best dance and best costume categories, consisting of public school students and residents of six barangay clusters in Makati.”

As for the many organizations and business which have helped the city in staging the event, the Mayor said: “The city government and the people of Makati are truly grateful for the support of our partners in the private sector to the annual Caracol, through which we portray the vibrant colors of nature and promote environmental protection and conservation.”

The Festival was first held in 1989 and has since been celebrated every last Sunday of February.  The name of the festival is derived from the spanish word for "snail."

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