MUDPACK FESTIVAL – celebration centers on the harmonious relationship between man and nature

MUDPACK FESTIVAL
The Festival

Of days 23rd and 24th of June every year, Mudpack Festival is celebrated in Murcia Negros Occidental, cooccuring the feast of Saint John the Baptist and the start of the monsoon season. A symbolic celebration when the time man is closer to the nature. People in all walks of life gather together during the festivity in Mambukal in committing themselves for the conservation of the environment. It is a feast of ecological concern, and merrymaking ajoined.

The celebration centers on the harmonious relationship between man and nature. Multi-colored clay distinctively found in Mambukal keeps the people reminded of the importance of the environment in our living. Artists all over the province meet and exhibit artistic talents through ethnic dances, crafts and music, which makes the event a festival of arts.

During the celebration of the annual affair, participants of ethnic dances are covered by mud, faces and bodies exhibiting talents in a lively street dancing parade, the highlight of the merryment. It also serves as a venue for young minds being educated about the importance of environmental conservation as it also showcases Mambukal’s natural wealth.

New additions to the activities which make the celebration even more spectacular is the tribal dance competiion, solo dance competition, mix media art painting, body painting contest, and a beauty pageant entitled Miss Earth-Mambukal.  One can also engage and take part in Mambukal’s programs and special events such as bat, bird, and firefly watching.

The Mudpack Festival is fast becoming a popular festival being known by artists and tourists from all over the world.

Origin

During the historical Edsa Revolution in 1986, everything was in disarray including the Mambukal Resort, the venue of the present Mudpack Festival. People concerned about their safety were scared to venture into the upland. Fellow artists and friends, defying the danger, went up Mambukal to enjoy and started to notice the multi-colored clay which are abundant in the area and went on creating souvenirs.

To their luck, a tourist took interest in their works and asked them if they can create more. With the support of another fellow artist and the members of the AAB, more artists are encouraged to join. It has become an yearly affair that these artists would meet in Mambukal showcasing their individual talents.

Mudpack Festival is officially started and celebrated when NIDCORP managed Mambukal in 1996. With this, the provincial government has offered even stronger support for the celebration, and came up with variety of activities in relevance with the primary concern of the event, the protection and conservation of the environment.

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