Why Does Everyone Smile at MassKara? The Answer Goes Back Decades
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As someone who has witnessed and danced to five festivals in the past, I could say that the Philippines is a land of festivals, each with its own unique charm and cultural significance.
Among these, the MassKara Festival in Bacolod stands out as one of the most vibrant and captivating celebrations in the country.
In this comprehensive guide, I will take you on my journey when I attended my first-ever MassKara Festival in Bacolod.
Prepare for a ride through the history, highlights, and insider tips of this joyous event, and how to ensure you can make the most of your visit to the City of Smiles.
The History and Cultural Significance of the MassKara Festival
The MassKara Festival is a colorful and vibrant celebration of life and culture. It is one of the most popular festivals in the Visayas or even the Philippines, attracting local and foreign tourists from all over the world.
The festival was first held in 1980, during a time of economic crisis and tragedy. The price of sugar, the city’s main agricultural crop, had plummeted, and many people had lost their jobs.
The festival was created as a way to boost morale and bring people together.
The name “MassKara” comes from the words “mass” and “kara,” which means “face” in Hiligaynon, the local language.
The festival is known for its colorful masks, which are worn by performers and spectators alike.
The masks depict a wide range of emotions, from joy to sadness, and are a symbol of the people of Bacolod’s resilience and strength in the face of adversity.
The MassKara Festival features a variety of events, including street dances, concerts, beauty pageants, and talent competitions.
It is also a showcase of Bacolod’s culinary heritage, with a wide range of food stalls and restaurants serving up local delicacies that include chicken inasal which I really love.
The festival has had a significant impact on the culture of Bacolod City. It has helped to boost tourism and promote the city’s unique identity.
It has also helped to preserve and promote traditional Hiligaynon culture.
What to Expect at MassKara Festival?
🥘 Food and Glorious Feast in Bacolod!
One of the best reasons to visit Bacolod during the MassKara Festival is the food. Bacolod is famous for its delectable cuisine, and during the festival, the city turns into a food lover’s paradise.
Trust me when I say that I walked from 6th Street of Lacson to the 22nd and you can see food stalls that sell various grilled foods like chicken inasal and other meals.
Other than the famous chicken inasal there are also fresh seafood and sweet treats like piaya and napoleones from BongBong’s or Merzci.
I even went to Silay for the food and discovered a cookie that I’m still craving up until now – the Angel Cookies from El Ideal!
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💃🏻 The Colourful and Lively Street Dancing
Another highlight of the MassKara Festival is the street dancing competition, where different groups of dancers wear colorful costumes and masks and perform choreographed routines to upbeat music.
The competition is divided into three categories: the school category, the barangay category, and the open category for groups beyond Bacolod City who want to join the festival.
It usually takes place on the main streets of Bacolod, such as Lacson Street and Araneta Avenue, but this time it has been changed and the competition kicked off at SM City Bacolod.
With the big crowd (more than the 300,000-target crowd) it had during D-day and the bad weather that afternoon, I was lucky enough to get a good view of the dancers with their colorful costumes and the big headdresses/masks they had.
The masks must’ve been heavy and uncomfortable since from time to time some aids will go to the dancers and pour some water on their heads to be relieved.
🎭 The Unique and Captivating Masked Designs
You know you’re in Bacolod City if you start seeing masks on the street. They’re sold by street vendors or tarpaulins hanging on the side of the national highway or even on billboards.
Masks are not just accessories at MassKara Festival; they are an art form and this is a trademark. Each mask tells a story, and you’ll be amazed by the creativity on display.
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The festival features masks that are made of different materials, such as paper mache, coconut husks, beads, feathers, and sequins.
Even the place where I was staying has a mannequin wearing a costume with a colorful mask and headdress on it.
The masks are always adorned with smiling faces, to symbolize the optimism and resilience of the people of Bacolod, who have overcome many challenges and tragedies in the past.
👕 Festival Souvenirs in the City of Smiles
If you want to bring home some souvenirs from the MassKara Festival, you can find a variety of items that are related to the festival and the city.
You can buy miniature masks, keychains, magnets, t-shirts, hats, and bags that feature the MassKara logo or the smiling faces of the masks.
The Jojo Vito Designs Gallery is a haven if you intend to own a customized souvenir, where you’re the one who will paint the mask. I got my ref magnet souvenir here.
You can also buy local products, such as shirts, noodles, decorations, delicacies, and handicrafts, that showcase the rich agricultural and artistic heritage of Bacolod.
The perfect place for this is the Association of Negros Producers which is located near the Capitol Park and Lagoon. I bought two shirts for ₱300.00 here and should I say that they also smell good? Yes, I said it.
🎆 The Beautiful Lights and Fireworks on the Final Day
The MassKara Festival culminates with a grand finale that features a spectacular display of lights and fireworks. The finale is called the Electric MassKara.
Held last October 21st, the Electric MassKara is a night parade that features street dancers wearing costumes and masks that are illuminated with neon and LED lights.
The parade also includes floats that are decorated with lights and sound systems. and it made the streets of Bacolod more festive and livelier.
The finale also includes a fireworks competition, where different groups of pyrotechnicians showcase their skills and creativity in creating dazzling fireworks.
The competition is held at the Upper East Megaworld, where a large crowd gathers to witness the stunning show of lights and colors.
How to Get Around in Bacolod City?
There are different options for getting around Bacolod City during the MassKara Festival.
Although the internal government did great with traffic control and giving notices weeks before about the roads that will be closed this year, here are some options that will help you to navigate the city:
🚶🏻 Walking
Walking is a cheap and eco-friendly way to travel, as you can save money on transportation and reduce your carbon footprint. Plus, you won’t get stuck in traffic especially if you’re only going to a nearby destination.
As a person who has been to places outside and within the country, walking is the safest option I opt for when I’m in doubt. There are always locals that you can ask along the way if you’re going the right direction as well.
I remember asking people, including vendors, where I could stay to have a good view of the dancers during the street dance competition.
And I did have the perfect spot just two blocks from my initial position.
🚦 Tricycles
Tricycles are a common mode of transportation in Bacolod City or anywhere in the Philippines. These three-wheeled vehicles can take you to various destinations within the city, especially to places that might not be easily accessible by larger vehicles.
Just remember to agree on the fare with the driver before your ride. Or, you can ask a local beforehand how much is the actual or average fare from point A to point B.
🚦 Jeepneys
Jeepneys are a popular form of public transportation in the Philippines, including Bacolod. They follow designated routes and are an economical way to travel around the city.
You can hail a jeepney from the side of the road and pay a small fare when you board.
🚦 Taxis
Taxis are available in Bacolod City, particularly at the airport, bus terminals, and malls. They offer a more comfortable and convenient mode of transportation, but make sure the driver uses the meter or agrees on a fare beforehand.
🚦 Private Vehicles
You can also rent a car or hire a private vehicle with a driver if you prefer the convenience of personal transportation.
🚦 Ride-Sharing Apps
Ride-sharing apps like Grab are available in Bacolod City. You can use these apps to book rides for added convenience and transparency in pricing.
I use this often whenever I’m in a new place since I can see my real-time location in the app.
But at the final weekend of the MassKara Festival, using this option may not be advisable since there were specific times of the day when there was no signal available in the whole city.
Where to Stay in Bacolod City?
Bacolod offers a range of accommodation options to suit every budget. Popular areas to stay include the downtown area and the nearby beachfront.
🛌🏻 Hostel: Sanctuary Transient House Bacolod
A budget-friendly hostel in the heart of Bacolod City, offering clean and comfortable rooms, a shared bathroom, and a friendly atmosphere that won’t break the bank. This is ideal for people who are on a tight budget and don’t like to be far from the city center.
🛌🏻 Budget Hotel: The Suites at Calle Nueva
For budget-conscious travelers,The Suites at Calle Nueva offers comfortable accommodations at reasonable prices.
It’s a modern hotel with a central location, offering comfortable rooms with free Wi-Fi, a cafe that serves delicious Filipino and Mediterranean food, as well as a daily buffet breakfast.
This hotel is suitable for those who want privacy without compromising their budget.
🛌🏻 Mid-Range Hotel: Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod
If you’re willing to spend a bit more for added comfort and amenities, Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod is a mid-range hotel that provides good value for money, offering spacious rooms, a swimming pool, and a restaurant. Plus, it offers free parking and it’s next to a shopping complex.
🛌🏻 Apartment: Le Chateau Residences
For those looking for a home-away-from-home experience, Le Chateau Residences offers budget-friendly apartment-style lodging with the comforts of a private space in the city. This accommodation is suitable for family or friends traveling together.
Other Things to Do in Bacolod
Bacolod offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors. Whether you are interested in history, culture, nature, or food, you will find something to enjoy in Bacolod. Here are some of the things you can do in Bacolod, besides attending the MassKara Festival:
📍 Visit the Ruins of Mariano Lacson’s Mansion
Explore the fascinating ruins of Mariano Lacson’s mansion, a testament to the city’s rich history.
📍 Explore Campuestohan Highland Resort
For a bit of adventure and relaxation, visit the Campuestohan Highland Resort, located in the cool mountains of Talisay.
📍 Admire the Heritage Houses of Silay City
Silay City is known for its well-preserved heritage houses that provide a glimpse into the city’s past.
Insider Tips for First Timers
💧 Stay Hydrated: The festival can get quite hot, so ensure you drink plenty of water.
🏨 Plan Your Accommodation: Book your accommodation well in advance, as the city can get crowded during the festival. I barely got accommodation for more than a month before going to Bacolod. So, booking 2 months or more before the event is advisable. Be aware also of the scams especially if you book on social media. I’ve seen a couple of tourists who’ve been waiting for hours at a condo lobby because they can’t reach the person they transacted for their stay.
💃🏻 Immerse in the Culture: Don’t be shy; have fun, join the locals in their dances and festivities. It’s all about fun and unity. As an introvert, I had this one experience when my new friend told me to dance when I didn’t even know any steps from the songs being played. But I ended up dancing to one song (glad I had a practice at home).
💸 Currency: The currency used in Bacolod is the Philippine Peso (PHP or ₱). Ensure you have enough local currency or access to ATMs for your trip. Carry small bills and change for fares and other expenses, as drivers or sellers may not always have sufficient change. Since it’s also peak season, expect that some ATMs will be out of cash due to the volume of people that withdraw money on it.
📢 Be prepared for any local announcements: One for sure is having no signal at specific times during the weekend of the MassKara Festival. So, if you came with some friends, might as well stick together unless you want to get yourself lost in the sea of crowds where there’s no way you can reach them. Trust me with this, I’ve been in the same situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wrapping-Up: An Invitation to Experience the MassKara Festival
The MassKara Festival in Bacolod is a unique and unforgettable experience that you should not miss.
It is a festival that celebrates the resilience, creativity, and happiness of the Bacolodnons, and invites you to join them in their smiles.
By joining the MassKara Festival, you will not only have fun and make memories, but also support the local economy and community.
So what are you waiting for? Come and join the MassKara Festival in Bacolod next year and see for yourself why it is called the City of Smiles!
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About the Author
Hi! I’m Kristine (aka KR). I’m the main developer of Philippine Hidden Gems. My work includes going to places to cover events and places that I’m happy to share with the readers.
Even though I’m an introvert who loves to read and stay indoors all the time, I love to travel outside the country (at least once a year) and nearby regions within PH.
My recent hobbies include learning Japanese culture and exploring the world of K-Pop as a Carat.
