Caracoles Festival •Punta del sol •Samal Island• The Philippines

Caracoles Festival is one of, if not, the most grandiose and colorful celebrations in the Island Garden City of Samal celebrated every 28th and 29th of April. Caracoles, which means "seashells," is Samal's summer festival of shells and a thanksgiving celebration of its rich trove of marine resources.

The festival is highlighted with various activities and events of the day from dusk until dawn such as  lively and vividly colorful dance demonstration where groups of participants numbering at least 30 are dressed as marine creatures; the Estrella del Mar - a costume competition where participants feature their skillfully designed costumes depicting sea creatures, as they mimic its different gestures and movements; the Baile Del Mar - a show of local talents performing dances and circus acts along the white sand shoreline of the island; a fashion show on custom-made island wear magnificently crafted by avant-garde dress designers of Mindanao.

How to get to Samal Island ?

The Island Garden City of Samal is a small island off the coast of Davao City and is easily accessible via ferry boat from either the Sta. Ana Wharf near Magsaysay Park, or the Sasa Km. 11 Wharf along J. P. laurel Avenue that services directly to Kaputian Beach Wharf and Babak Wharf, respectively. There are also non-aircon buses in Magsaysay Park called "Island City Express" that go to IGaCoS Ferry Terminal where same will board a barge that ferries towards Kinawitnon Wharf in Samal Island. Most resorts in Samal have facilities for private boat transfers which may be pre-arranged for a fee.