Caragan Festival

Held every 3rd week of February. Named after the first chieftain of Mabalacat town who is a native Aeta married to a Mabalaquena named Laureana Tolentino.

They closed the road of Mc Arthur Highway for this event, from 11 am to 5 pm no vehicles are allowed to pass the said road.

In this picture, the students (highschool and elementary department) from different schools are performing the street dance under the heat of the sun, from Poblacion to Xevera Plaza which is about 3 kilometers.

Majority of the participants are wearing red loincloth. On their headdress, I also noticed that they used the same materials especially the "Pilapil" I don't know if that is the criteria for this year or it's just a coincidence LOL. Some of the group also used body paint to darken the color of their skin, they also used wigs because Aetas are known for having a curly hair.

I saw some reporters, I guess it's the ABS-CBN, They covered the said event and interviewed some participants in the event.

It started around 1:10 in the afternoon, the first in line is the air force band followed by this group.
Majority in this group are pure aeta and I can say that they are the most disciplined group.

In this picture you can see a lot of audience or people blocking the way of the performers. Luckily there were some staff to move the people on the side of the road.

I saw big props like the eagle made from cardboard and cloth for its wings.

And don't forget the head of the Aetas, you can always see these props every year (masali) haha, also the different banderitas and tarpaulin from different schools.

Last few years ago Magbalot said that “This festival is not only about having fun with street dances but also about honoring the rich cultural heritage of the people of Mabalacat. The Aetas, being one of the original inhabitants, are also given due recognition,”

That's all for today hope you like it!

@izaid