.svg)
Mark your calendars for October 27, as we celebrate the joyous Masskara Festival! Bursting with color, energy, and vibrant spectacle, this festival has been the pride and joy of Bacolod City, Philippines since the 1980s. Also known as the "City of Smiles," Bacolod came up with this festival as a beacon of hope and positivity amidst a time of crisis, transforming the city streets into an enormous, open-air party. Set against the backdrop of smiling masks and festive dances, the Masskara Festival is a resilient testament to the Filipino spirit of happiness and strong sense of community. So, are you ready to immerse yourself in the dazzling celebration of life that is the Masskara Festival?
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1980</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>MassKara Festival Inception</div><div class='timeline-text'>The MassKara Festival was conceptualized and introduced by the local government of Bacolod City to uplift the spirits of its inhabitants amidst economic crisis and tragedy.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1981</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Celebration of MassKara</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first MassKara Festival took place, showcasing colorful smiling masks and street dancing as a symbol of resilience and collective joy.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1998</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Incorporation of Electric Floats</div><div class='timeline-text'>To enhance the festive vibe, illuminated floats were included in the night parade turning the streets into a lively light show.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2007</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>"Barangay MassKara" Launched</div><div class='timeline-text'>A new feature, "Barangay MassKara" was launched, expanding the festival to include more local communities in the festivities.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2014</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Bacolod Street Food Festival</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first Bacolod Street Food Festival was held as a part of MassKara, showcasing the rich culinary diversity of Bacolod and its neighboring cities.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2019</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>MassKara Joins UNESCO Creative Cities</div><div class='timeline-text'>Bacolod City, home to MassKara Festival, was designated a City of Gastronomy by UNESCO Creative Cities, further elevating the festival's international status.</div></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Craft your Masskara mask</h3><p class='facts-text'>As the festival takes its name from "mass" (a multitude of people) and "kara" (face in the local language), making your own vibrant and colorful Masskara mask can make the experience even more special. Use feathers, beads, and sequins to dazzle in your own style!</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Enjoy Bacolod's culinary delights</h3><p class='facts-text'>A trip to Bacolod is incomplete without indulging in its local cuisine! Have a plate of the city's famous chicken Inasal, or indulge in a sweet treat with Napoleones - a popular puff pastry dessert filled with custard and topped with sugar glaze. Your taste buds will thank you!</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Join a street dance competition</h3><p class='facts-text'>Being a spectator is fun, but joining the lively street dances is even better! Local schools and communities join in these competitions, showcasing creative choreographies inspired by the festival's theme that year. Don't miss your chance to grove to the dynamic beats!</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Experience the Electric Masskara</h3><p class='facts-text'>A highlight of the festival is the Electric Masskara - a parade of large floats adorned with neon lights. The electrically lit masks and floats combined with the energy of the night will create a spectacle not to be missed!</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Visit Bacolod's historical attractions</h3><p class='facts-text'>While you're in Bacolod for the festival, take the time to visit some of the city's historical sites. The San Sebastian Cathedral, The Ruins in Talisay City, and the Negros Museum offer a peek into the region's rich cultural and historical heritage.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's a celebration of Resilience and Positivity</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Started as a beacon of hope during a time of crisis, the Masskara Festival is a testament to the enduring Filipino spirit of resilience. It serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, it is possible to find joy and positivity.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's a Feast for the Senses</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>With vibrant masks, pulsating music, rhythmic dances, and mouthwatering local cuisines, the Masskara Festival is truly a feast for the senses. The festival provides ample opportunities to appreciate and engage in the rich culture of Bacolod City.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It brings People Together</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>At its core, the Masskara Festival is a community celebration that brings people together. It fosters a strong sense of community and unity, where everyone gathers to partake in the merriment, making it an event you'd not want to miss!</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Festival's Name Represents its Purpose</h3><p class='facts-content'>"MassKara" is a combination of the English word "mass" signifying the multitude of people, and the Spanish word "cara" meaning face. It symbolizes the unity and collective happiness of the people of Bacolod even during tough times.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Masks are a Symbol of Resilience</h3><p class='facts-content'>Faced with adversity, people of Bacolod chose to don smiling masks during the festival, transforming the city into a sea of smiles and creating a resounding symbol of resilience and positivity.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Festival Features Extravagant Street Performances</h3><p class='facts-content'>The highlight of the Masskara Festival is the Street Dance Competition, where groups from different communities don vibrant costumes and masks and perform dynamic dances synced to lively music.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Masskara Has Evolved to International Fame</h3><p class='facts-content'>What began as a local celebration to uplift spirits, the MassKara Festival has now gained international fame, attracting visitors from across the globe to witness and partake in its jubilant festivities.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Festival is a Display of Artistic Skills</h3><p class='facts-content'>The MassKara Festival is not just about dance and music, it is also a platform for artists to display their skills, most apparent in the beautifully-crafted masks, intricate. costumes, and creative float decorations seen during the festival.</p></div></div>
2023
2024
2025
2026
2027
.svg){kind=small}
.svg){kind=small}
