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The Mardi Gras festival is celebrated
in the month of January in Philippines.
However, the January month is overloaded
with festivals and merry makings in
Philippines. The Mardi Gras festival
in Philippines can easily be confused
with the other two festivals, the
Dinagyang and Ati-Atihan. The Ati-Atihan
is generally celebrated in Kalibo.
All the three festivals are held to
offer homage to Santo Nino, who is
the replica of the Christ Child. The
festival is mainly celebrated in Cebu.
As said earlier that the Mardi Gras
festival is much similar to Ati-Atihan
and Lloilo. The nature of their celebrations
is very much the same.
The basic rituals of the festival
are based on the competition between
various tribes. The festival as said
earlier is celebrated in the month
of January. Mardi Gras is observed
for three days, the first day begins
with colorful parade and processions.
People of different tribes put on
colorful clothes and costumes and
disguise them. The second day is observed
by the rosary ceremony. People with
religious beads walk down the streets.
At the end of the second day a kind
of get together takes place where
each and every one meets with their
friends and relatives. The last day
of the festival is marked with several
games and competitions. This marks
the merry makings, after the end of
the competitions grand feast is held.
The well being of the tribe is the
utmost prayer in this festival. It
is observed that each of the tribe
and community is kept at their best
spirit. The festival signifies the
unity, integrity of the communities.
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