MassKara Festival 2024 in Philippines

The MassKara Festival is an annual carnival held every October in Bacolod, Philippines, peaking with street dance competitions typically on the fourth Sunday of the month. Over two decades, it has evolved into a major tourist attraction, akin to Mardi Gras, known for its colorful dance processions that begin several nights before the festival's main weekend. The smiling masks used in the festival declared Bacolod locals' resilience in the face of challenges and tragedy, earning the city the nickname "City of Smiles." The name of the festival originates from the Spanish word "cara," which means "face" or "mask."

Schedule of Events at the Festival

The highlights of the MassKara Festival include a dance competition where participants don colorful costumes and vibrant, smiling masks while dancing to Latin music. Another major event is Bacolod’s biggest street party, Electric MassKara, featuring LED-lit dancers, bands, and floats. The festival also includes the MassKara Festival Queen beauty pageant, food festivals, and a float parade. The Lacson Strip is a 1-km road lined with bars, restaurants, and food stalls. Renowned for its colorful decorations and masks, the festival attracts a flood of locals and tourists. The mask theme of the festival has evolved from native Filipino traditions and those influenced by the Carnivals of Venice and Rio.

Other Highlights

Another vital aspect of the MassKara Festival is the cuisine. Bacolod is renowned for its savory local dishes influenced by Spanish, Chinese, and Filipino cuisine. Festival-goers can savor traditional fare such as grilled seafood, chicken inasal, batchoy (a savory noodle soup), and the city's famous pastry dessert, Napoleones. You are strongly advised to come hungry because the cuisine alone is worth the journey!

Location

The Bacolod Public Plaza, the Lacson Tourism Strip, and the Bacolod Government Center are the main centers for parades and festivities.

Origins of the Celebration

The MassKara Festival began in 1980 during a challenging time for Bacolod, Philippines, marked by the decline of the sugar industry and the tragic sinking of the MV Don Juan, which resulted in significant loss of life. To uplift the city's spirits, Mayor Jose "Digoy" Montalvo initiated the festival as a "festival of smiles," embodying Bacolod's resilience. Originally held on October 19, 1980, the festival has grown into a major annual tourism event, spurring growth in tourism, hospitality, and other sectors.