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October 10, 2022

Bacolod City’s Masskara Festival is one of the most prominent festivals in the Philippines. Known for its Mardi Gras and Oktoberfest-like fashion, the festival is celebrated to commemorate the resiliency of the people of Bacolod.

The Masskara Festival, as the name suggests, is celebrated with a mask motif that was influenced by the Rio Carnival and the Carnival of Venice. At the festival, you'll find activities that include the Masskara Queen pageant, garden shows, street dancing, and other exciting activities. One highlight of the festival is Electric Masskara where, in Rio Carnival fashion, there is a parade with floats, lights, and music. Definitely something that one shouldn't miss if they're in Bacolod.

If you're looking to visit Bacolod for the first time during the Masskara Festival, here are five reasons why you should experience the festival.

Masskara Festival: A Brief History

The roots of the Masskara Festival can be traced back to the 1980s during a time when sugar - Bacolod's main livelihood - was priced at its all-time low because of the new alternatives that have been introduced in the market. Because of the crisis, the province faced one of the worst famines that affected close to one million people. In the same year, the tragic incident involving the MV Don Juan happened, and this took a toll on the province as a whole, as the ferry carried members of some of the prominent families in Bacolod.

The Masskara Festival was created to help the locals get back on their feet and to lift their spirits. In a project spearheaded by late Mayor Jose "Digoy" Montalvo, the initial festival was held on October 19, 1980, and served as a declaration by the people of Bacolod that no matter how tough the times were, they will still be able to pull through, survive, and triumph.

Since then, the festival has evolved to become the largest in the Philippines. Not only does it attract tourists to the city of Bacolod, but it also helps the province to grow exponentially in the tourism sector.

5 Reasons to Experience the Masskara Festival for First-Timers

The Masskara Festival is one of the most exciting festivals in the Philippines. First timers will surely enjoy the time at the festival. If you’re debating whether you should go and experience the Masskara Festival, here are five reasons why you should.

The Festival Evolves Constantly

The Masskara Festival continues to grow and progress as years pass by and it still surprises the crowd to this day. Visitors, old and new, can expect new activities and features at the festival each year. Apart from their regular activities that include dance competitions, pageants, and floats, the organizers of the event continue to make it bigger and grander.

The Festive Mood Never Dies

Once you set foot in Bacolod during Masskara season, you'll feel its festive vibe wherever you go. From malls to the markets, you'll feel the festive atmosphere. The dancing also doesn’t stop because the moment that you arrive at the airport, you’ll be greeted by dancers and their smiling masks, which is a great way to get introduced to the festivities to come during the festival.

Masskara is One of the Biggest Philippine Festivals

Masskara is lauded as one of the country's biggest and most exciting festivals that brings in the crowds with its colorful and larger-than-life celebrations. Undoubtedly, to experience the Masskara Festival and all its grandeur is something to be remembered for years to come. Don’t miss out on the street dance competition because it’s one of the festival’s highlights!

It's a Symbol of Unity and Resilience

As mentioned, the origins of the Masskara Festival are rooted in tragedy with a major economic crisis and the MV Don Juan incident happening in one year. These tragedies left Bacolod with a gloomy atmosphere, so the local government decided to bring life and color back to the city with the Masskara Festival. Apart from being a fun event to attend, it's also a symbol of the rise of Bacolod after the tragedies that came their way.

In all, the Masskara Festival is one of the most exciting events to experience in the Philippines. If you’re looking to experience Filipino culture in the form of a festival, Masskara should be on your list as you will surely enjoy the activities and festivities lined up during the festival. If it’s your first time experiencing the Masskara Festival, don’t forget to take photos and to dance your heart out because it is an experience like no other.