Masskara Festival History
MASSKARA FESTIVAL HISTORY | SCHEDULE, UPDATES, THINGS TO DO
Contents
Here’s your Masskara Festival History. This post is progressive in nature. We strive to gather all the materials about the festival and integrate into this post. Should you wish to add more information about Masskara Festival History, please drop a comment below.
MASSKARA FESTIVAL HISTORY
The famous festival happening every fourth Sunday of October is one of the greatest pride of Bacolod City. With the colorful costumes of those who are doing the dance parade, street dance and all other activities, who would not be enticed to witness such a lively and vibrant celebration? The fact is, deep within the roots of this grand celebration is a rich culturally and traditionally embedded history.
So, what is the story behind the celebration of this festival? Let’s find out!
There are two tragic and unfortunate events that led to the birth of the MassKara festival. It began in the year 1980 when one of the top sources of income of the province, which is sugar cane, had a crisis regarding price. It had been consistently low for the past months so much so that it affected the way of living and the economy of the province as a whole. This began due to the introduction of the other substitute for sugar brought by the Americans, the high fructose corn syrup. Indeed, the total effect of this economic crisis was felt by all people in the province regardless of which walks of life they came from.
The second event was the accident of the MV Don Juan vessel coming from Manila going to Bacolod. The ship collided with another boat, and that caused the sinking of the ship which happens to carry a lot of Negrenses, with approximately 750 casualties including the different prominent families of the City of Bacolod. It was an event that the left a scar on the people of Bacolod because, in an instant, people they love and care about were taken from them.
Amidst the tragedies that the province was facing, the government leaders headed by late Mayor Jose Montalvo came up with the idea of organizing the Masskara Festival which stands for the “City of Smiles.” This served as a light of hope to the entire province despite the tragedies. They hoped and believed that no matter what crisis or disaster they will face, all will be well for as long as they have the smiles rooted in profound hope and faith.
For the following years after that and until the present times, the MassKara Festival had continuously shown us what they are capable of. The presentations, activities, festivities, and all other forms of celebrations they have during this festival seems to be a reminder of a tragic past which gave birth to a successful festival. It is as if, regardless of what they have been through and regardless of what situation they are at, they can make it because they have the sincere belief and faith that they are capable of conquering anything.
Indeed, the MassKara Festival is a manifestation of the popular tag, “city of smiles.” In the coming years, we expect that tremendous changes will happen since they are continually planning and developing the festival. To give us, or rather, to share with us, the beautiful story of the province.
Masskara Festival History
LIST OF STREET AND ARENA DANCE CONTESTS (MASSKARA FESTIVAL HISTORY)
Street and Arena Dance Competition are among the major highlights of the festival. We are trying our best to compile all the winners in this category.
Must Read: LIST OF WINNERS, MASSKARA FESTIVAL STREET AND ARENA DANCE COMPETITION
LIST OF MASSKARA FESTIVAL QUEEN WINNERS (MASSKARA FESTIVAL HISTORY)
Please click the link below for the list of Masskara Festival Queen through the years.
LIST OF MASSKARA FESTIVAL QUEEN WINNER
MASSKARA FESTIVAL SCHEDULE
Masskara Festival happens in Bacolod City every October. To know the series of events, you can click on the link below.
Masskara Festival History
Where to stay in Bacolod City
Book your hotel now! Here’s the list of Hotels and Inns in Bacolod City – Click here
What to do when in Bacolod City
Here’s a comprehensive guide on what do to when in Bacolod City – click here



Other Things You Might be Interest While in Bacolod City
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- Our Favorite Dining Places in Bacolod City
- Paint Your Own Mask
- Bacolod Attraction: What to Do at Jojo Vito Designs Gallery
Wow the festival looks incredible, so bright and colourful. It’s heartwarming to see that after such tragedy they created such an amazing event.
– Jackie (Organised Mum Life)
Thank for this! I originally planned to visit bacolod 1st week of october to celebrate my birthday. but finances are short, so had to postpone it a week after…i’m curious of extreme masskara and masskara by sea. what to expect? im from cebu btw
yes come during the highlights 🙂
Wow, what an exciting festival in Bacolod, Philippines.
Hmm, need to arrange my schedule in October, to see this event…
Thanks for the post.
Yes its is Marvin, one of the most colorful I should say…hope you can visit and witness Masskara 2015 🙂
Look at all those beautiful colors. We haven’t done one festival this year. Thankfully we still have time!
I should say , this festival is one must experience 🙂
I wish I could be there for this! I love all the bright colors!
Who knows Sahnnon Peterson, just PM if someday you will visit…I’ll be happy to assist 🙂
This sounds like it’s great fun! What beautiful colors and costumes.
This is a great and fun festival , I never miss each year!
This really looks like a fun festival to attend! What a great schedule.
This is ooking so festive. Beautiful photos!
Wow, that looks so fun! Very colorful!
This sounds and looks like it would be an amazing event indeed. I would love to attend a Masskara Festival with all these amazing colors along with designs. Just gorgeous for sure. Thanks for sharing.
Masskara Festival is the one big event in Bacolod Philippines, They are so very creative when it comes for their costumes,
This is just so full of life and excitement! I would love to be at this festival!
What an interesting festival! It’s so colorful and refreshing, I’d love to experience this some day.
Really neat stuff. Looks like a great place.
Oh, how I wish I could go!!! Maybe next year. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Beautiful images!
I’ve seen this event on TV and it looks so festive. I would love to experience this for myself one day.
Yes, feel free to message should you need help if you plan to visit and see the festival
Sounds like a fun event. Great info on where to stay and what else to do. Thanks.
The festival looks so vibrant. It would be fun to check it out.
That looks like a lot of fun but where is Bacolod?
Its in the Western Visayas, Philippines 🙂
Love this! Sounds like an awesome festival!
Looks like a lovely festival. The colors and the costumes of the performers are beautiful.
Wow the costumes of the dancers look spectacular.
Sounds like that is going to be a really fun time. I love festivals like this.