Colorful costumes, dancing and music filled the streets of Elmhurst when the Filipino-American community at St. Adalbert Church held its inaugural Caracol Festival, Aug. 27. The Caracol Festival is the Filipino version of Mardi Gras, and it is meant to spread awareness about the importance of protecting Mother Nature.

Elmhurst residents and friends came together to glorify their Creator for the beauty of Mother Earth at a 2 p.m. Mass, followed by a Caracol processional dance with images of the Blessed Mother and St. Adalbert. Festivities continued in the church hall with cultural presentations, raffles and refreshments. The Filipino-American Community at the parish hopes to make this an annual tradition.