Manila Carnival near Bonifacio Shrine running until June 24

Filipinos young and old can't resist the pull of flashing lights and thrilling rides, as evidenced by the enduring popularity of carnivals.

Carnivals even have a 100-year legacy in the country. GMA News' "State of the Nation" reported Friday that carnivals, more known as peryahans or karnabals, have indeed been part of our culture as far back as the 1900's.



Citing the blog Manila Carnivals, the report noted that carnivals—specifically, Manila Carnivals—were held from 1908 to 1939 as a goodwill event with the United States.

For two weeks, parades, shows, and even a beauty contest searching for the Manila Carnival Queen "highlighted the greatest annual event in the Orient.

The modern version of this carnival, constructed in honor of Manila's 443rd founding anniversary, is currently operating in Mehan Garden behind the Bonifacio Shrine.

There are rides, rifle booths and ball tosses. Another game visitors can play at the perya is the "tangga", or coin toss game, where they try to land a coin inside squares on a table grid. If they mae it, they get toys or other trinkets as a prize for their ace shot.

The fair is open from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. until June 24, though rides will continue to operate after 10 if enough people are present. — Rie Takumi/BM, GMA News