Today is:   November 23

Scroll to explore events active on this date.

AD

LEEP INK FEATURES


1728055823.png

August is Appropos

  A toddler playing in the fountain at a park in Santa Fe, New Mexico—Photo LD Lewis. In August, we live through the Dog Days of Summer. It's hot and often humid, and those ...

1728055712.png

September is Sassy

  Can you hear that sigh of relief from parents worldwide? Yes! September marks the return of students to school, a global phenomenon.  Preparations for the ACT and SATs begin earnestly for ...

1728055544.png

OOH LA LA, October

    October is the busiest month for events, with 5% more happening than in May, the second most eventful month. Sailing enthusiasts will be glued to the finals of this year's Am...

About the Philippines Vibrant MassKara Festival

Philippines
EVENT NAME:
MassKara Festival (PH)
EVENT CATEGORIES:
Culture & Art , Entertainment
Music , Festivals & Fairs
South Asia
Dates Active:
Begins: Oct 11, 2024
Ends: Oct 27, 2024

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.

VIDEOS

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS

Currently, this event does not have supporting documents.

ADDITIONAL IMAGES

Currently, this event does not have supporting images.

EVENT CHAMPION

Where would you like to go now?

LAST UPDATED:

Oct 11, 2024

EVENT MANAGER:

LEEP
AD
AD

Jubilee LLC, 1712 Pioneer Avenue,Suite 2019 Cheyenne, WY 82001 +1 (484) 226 4777

Copyright © Jubilee LLC / LEEPCalendar.com 2024. All rights reserved.