Masskara Festival is one of the most awaited festivals in the country as people flock along the streets wearing flashy costumes matched with an enchanting mask. Held in the City of Smiles – Bacolod City, people will surely have a wonderful experience and captivating moments as they take part of the Masskara Festival.
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Masskara Festival 2014
Masskara Festival’s 2014 highlights shall be held as usual on October 19-20, 2014. This falls on Sunday and Monday.
Masskara Festival is an annual event which is held on the third week of October. This festival is usually held as a week-long celebration. However, its main events are usually scheduled on the weekend nearest to October 19, which is celebrated in time with its Charter Day anniversary.
What is Masskara Festival?
Masskara Festival is a joyful festival which is celebrated in Bacolod City. In this festival, you can witness one of the most colorful street dancing events as the people of Bacolod dance their way to a magnificent event wearing vibrant costumes and elegant smiling masks.
Main Attractions – Masskara Festival
Street Dancing Competition
The people of Bacolod seriously prepare for this festival as they take months for the preparation of the costumes and masks and take time practicing their routines for this much awaited festival. Numerous groups from different schools, barangays and government organizations dance their way to a street dancing competition, which captivates the attention of locals and tourists alike.
History of Masskara Festival
Bacolod was formerly known as the Sugar Bowl of the Philippines as people relied on sugar cane as its primary agricultural crop. However, in 1979, they experienced severe economic crisis due to the downfall of the sugar industry.
In 1980, as they rise from the dreadful hardships, the city government decided to come up with a festival to hide the sufferings of the Negrenses. From then on, it promoted the city as the “City of Smiles” in order to uplift the spirits and to keep the smile on their faces. Since then, the Masskara Festival, which is symbolized by smiling masks, has been celebrated every October.
Interesting information of Masskara Festival
The festival benefits Bacolod tourism not only because tourists flock the city to join the merrymaking but also to buy orchids and ornate handicrafts on sale.
The smiling mask which is the symbol of the festivity was conceived by the organizers to show the happy spirit of the Negrenses despite experiencing tragedy and economic crisis.
Recommendations
Bring a camera: Masskara Festival features one of the most colorful and lively festivals in the country. With their flashy Masskara Festival costumes and enchanting masks, this will be a picturesque view especially for photograph enthusiasts. Take as much photos as you can and enliven the memories of this magnificent event.
Book a hotel early: Being one of the most popular festivals in the country, millions of tourists visit Bacolod City to take part of this event. Better book your accommodations early to ensure that you will have a place to stay for the festival.
Useful information
Date: Masskara Festival is an annual event which is held on the third week of October. However, the highlight of this event is usually held on the weekend nearest to October 19. This year, Masskara festival will be celebrated as usual for the first two weeks of October. Its main events will be scheduled on October 19-20, 2014. This falls on a Sunday and Monday.
Location: Bacolod City, Negros Occidental
How to get there
You will have to book a plane ticket to get to the City of Smiles, Bacolod City. From Manila, you shall travel an estimate of 1 hour plane ride. It is best to book your tickets ahead of time so as to avail of a cheaper ticket.
Fee: None