Masskara Festival History
Contents
Here’s your Masskara Festival History. This post is progressive. We strive to gather all the materials about the festival and integrate them into this post. Please comment below if you wish to add more information about the 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 doing the dance parade, street dance, and all other activities, who would not be enticed to witness such a lively and vibrant celebration? 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!
Two tragic and unfortunate events led to the birth of the MassKara festival. It began in 1980 when one of the province’s top sources of income, sugar cane, had a crisis regarding price. It had been consistently low for the past months, affecting the way of living and the province’s economy. This began due to the introduction of the other substitute for sugar brought by the Americans, the high fructose corn syrup. Indeed, all people in the province felt the total effect of this economic crisis regardless of which walks of life they came from.
Masskara Festival History
The second event was the MV Don Juan vessel accident from Manila to Bacolod. The ship collided with another boat, and that caused the sinking of the ship, which happened 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 left a scar on the people of Bacolod because, instantly, the people they loved and cared about were taken from them.
Amidst the tragedies 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.” Despite the tragedies, this was a light of hope to the entire province. They hoped and believed that no matter what crisis or disaster they faced, all would be well if they had smiles rooted in profound hope and faith.
Masskara Festival History
For the following years after that and until now, the MassKara Festival has continuously shown us what they are capable of. The presentations, activities, festivities, and other celebrations they have during this festival seem to remind them of a tragic past that gave birth to a successful festival. Regardless of what they have been through and their situation, it is as if they can make it because they have sincere belief and faith that they can conquer 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 the beautiful story of the province.
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, STREET AND ARENA DANCE COMPETITION
Please click the link below for the list of Festival Queens through the years.
Masskara Festival happens in Bacolod City every October. To know the series of events, click the link below.
Masskara Festival History
Book your hotel now! Here’s the list of Hotels and Inns in Bacolod City – Click here
Here’s a comprehensive guide on what to do when in Bacolod City – click here
Other Things You Might be Interest While in Bacolod City
Philippines Domestic Travel Costs Philippines Domestic Travel Costs: Why Is It Sometimes Cheaper to Travel…
Skipping Siquijor During Peak Season When Paradise Gets Too Popular: Tourism Growth, Carrying Capacity, and…
Philippine Overtourism : Crowded Destinations, Alternative Places Philippine Overtourism: 10 Crowded Destinations and their Alternative…
Philippine Tourism : Why Small Cities Are the Future Why Small Cities Are the Future…
Bacolod During Summer Bacolod During Summer: Bacolodnon’s Guide Summer in Bacolod always feels familiar to…
Golden Week Holiday in China What Golden Week Means for Tourists Planning a China Trip…
View Comments
Drum and bugle competition, concerts, sports events, food festivals, trade fairs, and garden shows are other festival highlights.
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!