Masskara Festival 2023: The MassKara Festival, which concludes on the fourth Sunday of October, is an annual celebration conducted in Bacolod, Philippines. It occurs this year on October 22. Since it is one of the largest festivals in the country, it has been a time when both locals and visitors gather on the city streets to drink, celebrate, and enjoy themselves for over four decades. The MassKara Festival originated in 1980 in response to a tragedy and crisis involving sugar prices, the primary source of income, which reached an all-time low. In addition, a tragic ferry accident transpired this year, prompting the locals to celebrate the MassKara Festival in an effort to restore their spirits.
THE MASSKARA FESTIVAL’S HISTORY
In 1980, during the dictatorship of the late President Ferdinand Marcos, the MassKara Festival was established. Sugar, the primary agricultural product and source of income for the province, was sold at an all-time low after substitutes for sugar were introduced to the market. As a consequence, two artists devised the notion of encouraging the locals to earn a living through the production of masks. A tragic ferry incident transpired in the same year; the MV Don Juan capsized, killing a significant number of individuals from the province. The MassKara Festival was subsequently established with the intention of evoking joy and boosting the morale of the local populace amidst those trying times.
The festival’s beaming masks symbolized the tenacity of Bacolod’s inhabitants in the face of adversity and tragedy; consequently, the city earned the moniker “City of Smiles.” The festival is called ‘MassKara,’ which is derived from the portmanteau of the words’mass’ (meaning many) and ‘kara’ (meaning faces). The masks were marketed to visitors as the province’s emblematic mementos prior to the festival. However, since the inception of the festival, the cheerful masks have come to represent the lively occasion.
A highlight of the MassKara Festival is a dance competition in which contestants perform to Latin music while donning vibrant masks and costumes that are animated with smiles. In addition, Electric MassKara is the largest street celebration in Bacolod. This night parade, the most anticipated event of the festival, showcases illuminated bands, performers, and floats. The MassKara Festival Queen beauty pageant, culinary festivals, and a float parade are additional events. The festival, which draws both locals and tourists, is well known for its vibrant decorations and masks.
MASSKARA FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES
Attend the festival
One can only truly commemorate the MassKara Festival through complete indulgence. Now is the time to enjoy yourself, imbibe, and celebrate on the streets of Bacolod.
Put on suitable footwear
A great deal of dancing and strolling occurs throughout the festival. While celebrating, you might consider donning your most comfortable footwear.
Make every effort
MassKara Festival is one of the largest celebrations in the nation, and it features an abundance of activities. During this festival, try everything you can, including the cuisine, the party, and more.
Masskara Festival 2023: FACTS
- Originally, Bacolod’s was situated atop a ridge rather than along the shoreline.
- Inasal Street in Bacolod is renowned for its delectable chicken inasal, a grilled poultry dish.
- Bacolod, which is also referred to as the “City of Smiles,” is also known as the “Football City” of the nation.
- Although the MassKara Festival is among the most sizable celebrations in Bacolod City, the April Panaad Festival is regarded as the Mother of Festivals.
- Due to sugar being the principal industry of the province, Bacolod is host to a diverse array of confections, such as ‘barquillos,’ ‘biscocho,’ ‘napoleones,’ and ‘piaya.’
MASSKARA FESTIVAL DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | October 23 | Sunday |
| 2023 | October 22 | Sunday |
| 2024 | October 27 | Sunday |
| 2025 | October 26 | Sunday |
| 2026 | October 25 | Sunday |
