Have you ever heard of a weeklong celebration that allows locals and travellers to eat, drink and be merry for several days? Well, there is a colourful festival in the Philippines, The MassKara festival!
There is no other celebration that can beat the MassKara Festival of Bacolod City. You can say that it is a cross in between Oktoberfest, Mardi Gras, and the Carnivale.
The festival in the Philippines is the epitome of creativity, an extravaganza of dance, and a gala celebration.
It goes down from the 5th to the 24th of October in Bacolod City, the city of smiles.
This annual fiesta, perhaps the happiest one in the world, was not always cheerful.
The story behind the MassKara Festival
It began at a period of disaster and despair, back in the 80s’ when sugar, the city’s main livelihood, was priced at an all-time low because of options introduced in the market.
The government and the locals decided to celebrate to relieve their oppression due to the economic crisis. So, the locals engaged in the festival by wearing smiling masks to hide the sadness in their faces and bright costumes while dancing and marching around the streets. This gave them a sense of happiness and hope. Thus, the MassKara Festival was born!
These smiling masks were initially made by the local residents to be sold to tourists as a signature souvenir of Bacolod city and gain the attention of foreign visitors.
Fortunately, it was a hit, tourists started buying the smiling masks, and the locals were able to produce significant profits due to tourism in Bacolod City, dubbing Bacolod as “The City of Smiles”.
What to expect at the MassKara Festival?
Roll up your sleeves; the festivities are going to get wild!
- At night, colourful, electric neon lights brighten up the streets, and the dancers enrobe bright lights to their costumes, jubilating along with the parades.
- Street dancing competitions are performed by skilled dancers dressed in bright traditional costumes and masks.
- The Electric MassKara, the most epic street party in Bacolod. The party features well-lit parades of dancers, floats, and great energy from the best upbeat music.
- There’s a MassKara Beauty Queen pageant, where a Queen is selected among pageant hopefuls dressed in their best festive clothes.
If you think that’s all, you might want to rethink it again: this sensational festival hosts many more fun activities, such as food fairs, garden shows, fireworks, and much more.
This party is sure to give Rio Carnival a run for its money!
Tourist Spots in Bacolod
- Lakawon Island for the best beach
- The famous Ruins, known as the Taj Mahal of the Philippines
- Balay Negrense, the antique museum that displays the lifestyle of a late 19th-century Negrense sugar baron in Silay City.
- Negros Museum is the best place to learn the history of Bacolod City.
Tips for MassKara festival first-timers
- Wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
- Weather can be unsure in October can either be rainy or sunny. So, check the Bacolod weather report.
- Catch a spot at the Bacolod Public Plaza to get the best view of the street performances.
- Get on the streets with time to spare, at least an hour before the MassKara festival.
- Bring lots of water since you’ll be doing a lot of walking and dancing; it’s best to keep a bottle of water with you to keep you hydrated.
- Most importantly, don’t forget to have fun! The MassKara Festival is one of the best festivals in the Philippines and biggest celebrations, so make sure to make the most of it!
Bacolod Tourism Guidelines 2021 | COVID-19 Updates
Bacolod is open to domestic tourists travelling for leisure. But there are specific guidelines for those who are entering from other regions. You will have to provide the below:
- Negative RT-PCR test taken within 3 days before departure.
- Get a BaCTrac Identification Card from bactrac.bacolodcity.gov.ph
- Provide an online Health Declaration Form from tinyurl.com/bcdinbound
- Go through https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice for the latest travel advice to the Philippines.
So, if you’re ready to party like never before, make your way to the MassKara Festival in the Philippines. Call Travel Center UK today, and we’ll be more than happy to help you find the most undeniable flight deal and promotions to Bacolod City for you to experience this colourful fiesta!
