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About the Philippines Vibrant MassKara Festival
Music , Festivals & Fairs
South Asia
Ends: Oct 26, 2025
DESCRIPTION:
THE MASSKARA FESTIVAL:
A CELEBRATION OF JOY AND RESILIENCY IN THE PHILIPPINES
Every October, Bacolod City, known as the "City of Smiles," comes alive with the vibrant colors and infectious energy of the MassKara Festival, a multi-week celebration that is one of the most anticipated cultural events in the Philippines. The festival's name, a portmanteau of the English word "mass" and the Spanish word "cara," meaning face, celebrates the city's resilience, unity, and unyielding spirit in the face of adversity.
OVERCOMING A TRAGEDY
The MassKara Festival was first held in 1980, a time when Bacolod and the surrounding province of Negros Occidental were grappling with economic challenges due to a slump in the sugar industry, the region's primary economic driver. The year also saw the tragic sinking of the MV Don Juan, a passenger ferry that claimed the lives of many Bacolod residents. In response to these hardships, local officials and civic groups, led by the Art Association of Bacolod-Negros (AAB-N), initiated the MassKara Festival. This festival, with its vibrant colors and infectious energy, was a beacon of hope, uplifting the community's spirits and symbolizing hope and recovery.
CELEBRATION!
At the heart of the MassKara Festival are the lively street dances, where participants don intricately designed masks adorned with bright colors, feathers, beads, and smiling faces. These masks, iconic symbols of the festival, not only reflect the resilience and optimism of the Bacolodnons, who choose to smile in the face of hardship, but also serve as a reminder of the festival's origins, which was a response to a tragic event.
The festival's customs are deeply rooted in Bacolod's history and culture. During the festivities, the city explodes with music, dance, and parades, with performers competing in dance contests that showcase choreographed routines and elaborate costumes. The streets fill with food stalls offering local delicacies, and the evenings burst with fireworks displays.
Another key feature of the MassKara Festival is the float parade, where creatively decorated floats representing various community sectors make their way through the city. The festival also includes beauty pageants, art exhibits, and sports events, making it a multifaceted celebration that caters to all ages.
BRINGING JOY TO ALL
The MassKara Festival's purpose extends beyond entertainment; it is a celebration of life, culture, and the indomitable spirit of the Bacolodnons. It serves as a reminder of the city's ability to overcome challenges and a tribute to the smiles that symbolize their collective strength. This celebration of life and resilience is a testament to the human spirit and is sure to uplift all who experience it.
Through the years, the MassKara Festival has grown in popularity, attracting tourists from across the Philippines and worldwide who come to experience the joy and camaraderie that define this unique celebration.
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