The MassKara Festival began in 1980 in Bacolod City, Philippines, during a period of economic struggle and a tragic maritime disaster involving the MV Don Juan. The festival was conceived as a way to boost local morale and economic activity. The name “MassKara” is a portmanteau of “Mass” (referring to the masses of people) and “Kara” (from the Spanish word “cara,” meaning face). The festival’s key feature is its vibrant masks, symbolizing resilience and unity amidst adversity.
What Tourists Can Expect During the Festival
- Spectacular Masks: Expect a dazzling array of masks decorated with feathers, beads, and sequins, each more elaborate than the last. These masks are worn by participants during the street dances and parades, adding a colorful and festive flair.
- Street Dancing: The festival features energetic street dancing performances where groups compete in choreographed routines. The dances are vibrant, set to lively music, and often incorporate elements of traditional Filipino dance.
- Cultural Parades: Enjoy the grand parades showcasing various floats and themed performances. These parades are a feast for the eyes with their artistic designs and elaborate costumes.
- Food and Markets: Indulge in local delicacies and street food. The festival also hosts numerous stalls selling crafts, souvenirs, and regional specialties.
- Music and Entertainment: The festival is not just about visual splendor but also includes live music, entertainment shows, and various community activities.
- Community Spirit: Experience the warmth and hospitality of the Bacolod City residents. The festival is a time when the whole community comes together, making it a great opportunity to see local culture and spirit firsthand.
MASSKARA FESTIVAL 2024 List of Activities and Events
From Street Dancing, Concerts, Beauty Contests, Sports Festivals and Food, the Masskara Festival has it all.
Check out the dates of each event so that you can fly to Bacolod and not miss out on your preferred event such as the Street Dancing, Miss Bacolod Coronation, Concerts and more.
MISS BACOLOD: SASHING
- SEPTEMBER 29 SM CITY BACOLOD
MASSKANAMIT: FOOD CRAWL
- OCTOBER 1-30
3RD MAYOR ALBEE BENITEZ: BADMINTON CUP
- OCTOBER 4-6 LOPUE’S SOUTH SQUARE
MISS BACOLOD: TALENT & FESTIVAL COSTUME
- OCTOBER 5 AYALA MALLS CAPITOL CENTRAL
2ND MASSKARA BEACH VOLLEYBALL 17 UNDER
- OCTOBER 9-12 BACOLOD BAYWALK
3RD MAYOR ALBEE BENITEZ MASSKARA GOLF CUP
- OCTOBER 10-13 NEGROS OCCIDENTAL GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
BCGC SITE ACTIVATION
- OCTOBER 11 BACOLOD CITY GOVERNMENTCENTER
MASSKARA FESTIVAL GRAND COUNTDOWN SALUBONG
- OCTOBER 11 BACOLOD CITY GOVERNMENT CENTER
MASSKARUN, BIKE, ZUMBA
- OCTOBER 12 BACOLOD CITY GOVERNMENT CENTER
ZUMBA CONTEST: RETRO THEME
- OCTOBER 12 BACOLOD CITY GOVERNMENT CENTER
MASSKARA 2024 MUSIC FEST
- OCTOBER 12 BACOLOD CITYGOVERNMENTCENTER, BACOLOD CITY PUBLIC PLAZA
1ST MAYOR ALBEE BENITEZ MASSKARA NATIONAL PICKLEBALLCUP
- OCTOBER 12-13 BACOLOD TAYTUNG HIGH SCHOOL
1ST MAYOR ALBEE BENITEZ MASSKARA FRISBEE CUP
- OCTOBER 12-13 PANA-AD FOOTBALL FIELD
TORCH PARADE & TRIKE ON LIGHTS
- OCTOBER 12 BACOLOD CITY PUBLIC PLAZA
MISS BACOLOD: CORPORATE AWARDS
- OCTOBER 13 SM CITY BACOLOD
2ND MASSKARA RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS NATIONAL INVITATIONALS
- OCTOBER 13-15 BACOLOD CITYCOLLEGEACTIVITYCENTER
3RD MAYOR ALBEE BENITEZ MASSKARA TABLE TENNIS CUP
- OCTOBER 13-15 AYALA MALLS CAPITOLCENTRAL
MASSKAHARIANG SECTOR
- OCTOBER 13 BACOLOD CITY PUBLIC PLAZA
LOCALLY SOURCED FAIR
- OCTOBER 14-20 ROBINSON’S PLACE BACOLOD
MASSKANAMIT: CULINARY SHOWDOWN
- OCTOBER 15-17 SMX CONVENTION CENTER
BIDANG BACOLOD ELIMINATION
- OCTOBER 15 BACOLOD CITY PUBLIC PLAZA
2ND MASSKARA BEACH VOLLEYBALL OPEN CATEGORY
- OCTOBER 17-20 BACOLOD BAYWALK
VANS MASSKARAD BMX & SKATEBOARD COMPETITION
- OCTOBER 17-18 BACOLOD CITY GOVERNMENT CENTER
PUREGOLD SARI-SARI STORE CARAVAN
- OCTOBER 18 CENTRAL DISTRICT FOOTBALL FIELD, MANDALAGAN
1ST MAYOR ALBEE BENITEZ MASSKARA 3X3INTER-BARANGAY BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
- OCTOBER 18-19 BARANGAY VILLAMONTE GYM
3RD MASSKARATCHOUKBALL TOURNAMENT
- OCTOBER 18-20 BACOLOD CITYCOLLEGEACTIVITYCENTER
2ND MAYOR ALBEE BENITEZ MASSKARA CHESS TOURNAMENT
- OCTOBER 19-20 888 CHINATOWN SQUARE BACOLOD
3RD MAYOR ALBEE BENITEZ MASSKARA FOOTBALL CUP
- OCTOBER 19-20 PAN A-AD STADIUM & LA PROVINCIAOPE FIELD
1ST MAYOR ALBEE BENITEZ MASSKARA SWIMMING CUP
- OCTOBER 19-20 ST. JOHN’S INSTITUTE SPORTS PAVILION
MISS BACOLOD: CORONATION NIGHT
- OCTOBER 19 UNIVERSITY OF ST LA SALLE COLISEUM
M ASSKAZUMBA WITH REGINE TOLENTINO & KRAMER
- OCTOBER 19 BACOLOD CITY GOVERNMENT CENTER
MASSKARA 2024 MUSIC FEST WITH LOCAL & NATIONAL BANDS
OCTOBER 19
IMPERSONATOR’S NIGHT
- OCTOBER 19 BACOLOD CITY PUBLIC PLAZA
BIDAANG BACOLOD FINALS
- OCTOBER 19 BACOLOD CITY PUBLIC PLAZA
BACONPOP
- OCTOBER 19-20 AYALA MALLS CAPITOLCENTRAL
DRAGS & DIVAS
- OCTOBER 20 BACOLOD CITY PUBLIC PLAZA
BINGO PLUS DAY MUSIC FESTIVAL
- OCTOBER 20 BACOLOD CITY GOVERNMENT CENTER
3RD MAYOR ALBEE BENITEZ MASSKARA 10-BALL OPEN BILLIARD TOURNAMENT
- OCTOBER 21-25 AYALA MALLS CAPITOLCENTRAL
MASSKANAMIT: FOOD EXPLORATION
- OCTOBER 23-27 MEGAWORLD, THE UPPER EAST
3RD MAYOR ALBEE BENITEZ MASSKARA 10-BALL OPEN BILLIARD TOURNAMENT
- OCTOBER 21-25 AYALA MALLS CAPITOLCENTRAL
MASSKANAMIT: FOOD EXPLORATION
- OCTOBER 23-27 MEGAWORLD,THE UPPER EAST
EMPERADOR NIGHTS: BATTLE OF THE BANDS
- OCTOBER 23 MEGAWORLD,THE UPPER EAST
CAR SHOW & SOUND OFF
- OCTOBER 24 MEGAWORLD, THE UPPER EAST
MASSKARA 2024 MUSIC FEST WITH LOCAL & NATIONAL BANDS
- OCTOBER 25 BACOLOD CITY GOVERNMENT CENTER
MASSKARADE BALL
- OCTOBER 25 ROY’S HOTEL
LACSON MASSKARA 2024: KINGDOM
- OCTOBER 25-27 LACSON TOURISM STRIP
MASSKARA 2024 XIPERFORM: GLOBAL MUSIC FESTIVAL
- OCTOBER 25-27 LACSON TOURISM STRIP
MEET AND GREET WITH FUMIYA
- OCTOBER 25 SM CITY BACOLOD
BOMBO RADYO DANCE SHOWDOWN
- OCTOBER 25 BACOLOD CITY PUBLIC PLAZA
MASSKARA ELEKTROIKA DIVAS
- OCTOBER 26 BACOLOD CITY GOVERNMENT CENTER
ELECTRIC MASSKARA & FLOATPARADE
- OCTOBER 26 BACOLOD CITY GOVERNMENT CENTER
BATANG REGASCO CONCERT
- OCTOBER 26 BACOLOD CITY GOVERNMENT CENTER
MARDI GRAS
- OCTOBER 26 BACOLOD CITY PUBLIC PLAZA
MASSKARA STREET DANCE & ARENA COMPETITION
- OCTOBER 27 PAGLAUM STADIUM
MASSKARA 2024 MUSIC FEST WITH LOCAL & NATIONAL BANDS
- OCTOBER 27 MEGAWORLD, THE UPPER EAST
GMA PLAZA CLOSING CEREMONY
- OCTOBER 27 BACOLOD CITY PUBLIC PLAZA
The Masskara Festival is a vibrant celebration of Bacolod’s resilience and joy, offering an immersive cultural experience for visitors.
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