When you see a sea of people wearing elaborate, smiling masks shake the ground from dancing feet, then you know — the MassKara Festival is back.
The 46th edition of Bacolod City’s famous event officially kicked off on October 1, transforming the entire city into a vibrant, week-long party.
Bacolod, the “City of Smiles,” goes beyond the dazzling colors and electric energy. The MassKara Festival carries a powerful story of resilience and community spirit.
More than just masks: A story of hope
The MassKara Festival was born during a time of crisis in the 1980s, when the province faced a devastating economic crash.
Instead of giving in to despair, the people of Bacolod decided to put on a smile — literally.
They created masskara, a term combining “mass” (crowd) and “cara” (face), meaning “a multitude of faces.”
The iconic smiling mask became a symbol of the people’s determination to face hardship with joy and courage.
It’s their way of showing that no matter how hard life gets, they can always choose to smile and celebrate life.
What’s in store for the festival
This year’s festival is a full immersion into Negrense culture and pure fun.
Among the main attractions include:
• Street Dance Competition: The festival’s highlight with competing tribes in stunning, sequined costumes and elaborate masks taking over the main streets in a high-energy dance showdown. The choreography is a thrilling mix of traditional Filipino moves and samba rhythms, all performed with infectious, non-stop energy.
• Electric MassKara Dance Parade: As the sun sets, the party continues with a parade of dancers adorned with LED lights and glowing masks lighting up the night, turning the city into a moving galaxy of color and light.
• Food Galore: A festival of local delicacies from food stalls across the city, showcasing Bacolod’s famous chicken inasal and piaya among others.
The MassKara Festival is more than just a spectacle; it’s a living lesson in history, art, and Filipino identity.
It’s a chance to see how art and community can transform pain into something beautiful.
It’s also an opportunity to make unforgettable memories with friends, learn some dance steps, and experience firsthand the world-famous Filipino spirit of bayanihan and joy.
Bacolod’ MassKara Festival is the place to be, if you’re looking for an adventure that’s both incredibly fun and deeply meaningful.
It’s a powerful reminder that even behind a mask, a genuine smile can shine through, and a whole city can heal and triumph through the power of celebration. — iNewsPH.com
