 |
| A mask on display at Robinsons Place Bacolod. |
The Masskara Festival is easily Bacolod's biggest tourist attraction and most celebrated festival. The Masskara Festival, sometimes called the Festival of Smiles, takes place during a three week period in October ending on the Monday following the weekend closest to October 19, the city's charter day.
The festival first began during the 1980's sugar crisis. The sugar crisis was when the United States changed to fructose corn syrup instead of using sugar. This greatly decreased demand for sugar cane around the world. Since sugar cane is the cash crop of Negros, many people saw economic hardship. As well, during the 1980's the people of Bacolod lost 700 people due to a boating accident. Because of this, the people set up the Masskara Festival as a way to show that there is always something to smile about and celebrate.
The Masskara Festival is still a relatively new celebration and it continues to grow every year. More attractions are being put on display and more events are being held. Because of this, rooms are becoming harder to come by. Hotels all over the city have been fully booked during the final weekend for several years in a row. The trick is to book early!
So what is the Masskara Festival?
It's a three week celebration with events like street dancing, Bacolod Queen beauty contest, floats, cosplays, garden shows, dog shows, body painting, music concerts, and parties. Actually, there's a little bit of everything at the Festival of Smiles. However, the festival is most known for its Barangay street dance competition held along Araneta Avenue and the Bacolod City Plaza, but the Electric Masskara is gaining popularity and it is held along Lacson St at night.
Where is it held in Bacolod?
The festival is held all over the city! However, most of the activities are held around the Bacolod City Plaza and along the tourist strip on Lacson Street. The street dancing competitions take place along Araneta Avenue near the Plaza. Nonetheless, many minor events are held at 888, Robinsons Place, SM City Bacolod, and schools all over the city. There are so many things to do that it is extremely tough to see everything. Believe me, I've tried!
When is it held?
The festival takes place over three weeks; however, the highlight of the event takes place during the final weekend closest to October 19. That Friday night features the closing of Lacson St. tourist strip for floats, parties, and music. The tourist strip closes at night all weekend long for more parties, music, and other events. That Saturday features the school street dancing competition, Electric Masskara (lighted floats), and a puppet festival. On Sunday, the main event takes place. The Barangay Street Dance Competition. Monday features the finales of various events and award ceremonies.
The first part of the three weeks include various competitions, garden shows, mask and costume competitions, and other various events.
Gallery
Videos
(sorry for the poor resolution)
