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| Masskara Festival |
The vibrant city of Bacolod, known as the “City of Smiles,” comes alive every October with the annual MassKara Festival. This blog will give you everything you need to know about the festival, from its rich history to suggested itineraries, top attractions, accommodation options, and food experiences. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, Bacolod and the MassKara Festival offer a unique cultural experience that’s not to be missed.
What is the MassKara Festival?
The MassKara Festival is one of the most colorful and joyful festivals in the Philippines. It takes place every October in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental. The festival is famous for its vibrant street dances, where participants don smiling masks adorned with bright colors and feathers, reflecting the resilience and optimism of Bacolodnons despite hardships.
History of the MassKara Festival
The MassKara Festival began in 1980 as a response to two major tragedies: the global sugar crisis, which hit Bacolod’s sugarcane industry hard, and the sinking of the MV Don Juan ferry, which claimed the lives of many Negrenses. The festival was conceived as a way to lift the spirits of the people and bring back the smiles, symbolized by the colorful masks worn by the performers.
How to Get to Bacolod
Bacolod is accessible by air, sea, and land. Here’s how you can reach the city:
By Air
The fastest way to get to Bacolod is via air travel. Several airlines offer daily flights from Manila and Cebu to Bacolod-Silay International Airport (BSIA). The flight from Manila takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes, while from Cebu, it takes roughly 50 minutes.
By Sea
You can also take a ferry from Iloilo City to Bacolod, which is a popular route for travelers who want to explore both cities. The ferry ride takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes, with various operators providing multiple trips daily.
By Land and Sea (via Cebu)
If you’re coming from Cebu, you can take a ferry to San Carlos City, followed by a bus to Bacolod. This route offers scenic views of the Negros countryside.
MassKara Festival Highlights
During the MassKara Festival, Bacolod transforms into a hub of activities, vibrant displays, and non-stop street dancing. Here are the major highlights of the festival:
1. Street Dancing Competitions
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| Masskara |
The heart of the MassKara Festival is the street dancing competitions, held on Lacson Street and the Bacolod Public Plaza. Performers wear intricately designed masks with bright smiles, symbolizing Bacolod’s moniker as the “City of Smiles.” Groups from various schools and barangays (communities) compete for prizes, showcasing choreographed routines in colorful costumes.
2. Electric MassKara
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| Electric MassKara |
Held along Lacson Street, the Electric MassKara is a nighttime street party featuring light displays, live music, food stalls, and energetic dancing. The area becomes pedestrian-only during this event, and it’s one of the best places to soak up the festive atmosphere.
3. Miss Bacolod Pageant
The search for the Miss Bacolod is another crowd favorite. It’s a beauty pageant that highlights the grace, intelligence, and charm of Bacolod’s young women, celebrating beauty with purpose.
4. Float Parade and Fireworks Display
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| Float Parade |
The Float Parade is a spectacle of creativity as colorful floats are paraded through the streets. The festival culminates with a grand fireworks display that lights up the night sky.
Things to Do in Bacolod During the MassKara Festival
Beyond the festival, Bacolod offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors:
1. Visit The Ruins
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| The Ruins |
Located in Talisay, just a short drive from Bacolod, The Ruins is an iconic mansion that dates back to the early 1900s. Known as the “Taj Mahal of Negros,” it’s a beautiful site, especially at sunset.
2. Explore the Negros Museum
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| Negros Museum |
For history buffs, the Negros Museum provides a glimpse into the cultural and historical heritage of the Negros region. The museum features exhibits on local art, the sugar industry, and the province’s rich history.
3. Try Local Delicacies
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| Piaya |
Bacolod is a food lover’s paradise. Be sure to try their signature chicken inasal (grilled chicken) at Manokan Country, piaya (a sweet, flaky pastry), and batchoy (a hearty noodle soup).
4. Take a Side Trip to Mambukal Mountain Resort
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| Mambukal Mountain Resort |
If you want to relax, head to Mambukal Mountain Resort, about 45 minutes from Bacolod. It offers hot sulfur springs, waterfalls, hiking trails, and even a butterfly garden.
Sample Itinerary for Bacolod and MassKara Festival
Here’s a 3-day itinerary that maximizes your time during the MassKara Festival:
Day 1: Arrival and City Tour
• Arrive in Bacolod and check into your hotel.
• Explore downtown Bacolod and visit the Bacolod Public Plaza.
• Visit San Sebastian Cathedral and the Negros Museum.
• Enjoy dinner at Manokan Country and try Bacolod’s famous chicken inasal.
Day 2: MassKara Festival
• Watch the Street Dancing Competition in the morning.
• Visit The Ruins in the afternoon for some history and beautiful photo ops.
• Attend the Electric MassKara at Lacson Street in the evening.
Day 3: Side Trips and Departure
• Take a side trip to Mambukal Mountain Resort for a day of relaxation.
• Return to Bacolod for some last-minute shopping of pasalubong (souvenirs).
• Head to the airport for your flight back home.
Recommended Hotels in Bacolod (With Ratings)
1. Seda Capitol Central (4.6/5)
A luxury hotel located near the Provincial Capitol Lagoon, offering modern amenities and top-tier service.
2. L’Fisher Hotel (4.3/5)
One of the most popular hotels in Bacolod, located along Lacson Street, it’s perfect for travelers who want to be near the festival’s main events.
3. Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod (4.5/5)
Newly opened and centrally located, this hotel offers easy access to the SM City Bacolod and nearby attractions.
Airbnb Recommendations
• Studio Unit at Amaia Steps (4.8/5): A budget-friendly option with modern amenities.
• Bacolod Executive House (4.7/5): Great for groups, this spacious house can accommodate families or friends traveling together.
Side Trips from Bacolod
1. Lakawon Island
Just an hour away from Bacolod, Lakawon is a beautiful white-sand island perfect for a quick getaway. It’s famous for its floating bar, the TawHai Floating Bar.
2. Campuestohan Highland Resort
This mountain resort offers a family-friendly experience with scenic views, swimming pools, and fun activities like zip-lining and horseback riding.
Food Trips You Shouldn’t Miss
1. Chicken Inasal at Manokan Country
This open-air food complex serves Bacolod’s famous grilled chicken marinated in local spices. Must-visit restaurants include Aida’s and Nena’s Beth.
2. Calea Pastries and Cakes
A Bacolod staple, Calea is known for its wide array of delectable cakes and pastries. Their chocolate mud pie and blueberry cheesecake are crowd favorites.
3. Sharyn’s Cansi House
For an authentic Filipino comfort food experience, try cansi—a beef soup with sour broth and bone marrow. Sharyn’s is the go-to spot for this local dish.
What to Expect During the Festival
Expect large crowds, vibrant street decorations, and non-stop energy. The entire city is dressed up for the celebration, with events happening day and night. Bring comfortable shoes for walking, and prepare for heat as the festival takes place during the day. Don’t forget your camera to capture the colorful street parades and dazzling light shows.
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