A million smiles, and one that lasts a lifetime.
MassKara Festival 2014 was an unforgettable experience — full of color, energy, and joy that only Bacolod City can offer.
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| Mascara |
My First Time in Bacolod
I first visited Bacolod in January 2010, just for a day trip. My dad took me to meet relatives, and of course, we couldn’t leave without trying the famous Chicken Inasal. That short visit left a lasting impression and sparked my desire to return.
Fast forward to 2014 — I finally got the chance to fly back, this time to experience the vibrant MassKara Festival, a perfect opportunity to make new memories and rediscover the joy Bacolod brings.
How to Get to Bacolod
Bacolod City is accessible through several routes:
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By Air: The New Bacolod-Silay Airport is about 15 kilometers from the city center and offers direct flights from Manila, Cebu, and Davao.
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Via Iloilo: Another option is flying into Iloilo International Airport, traveling to the Port of Iloilo, and taking a ferry or fast craft to Bacolod. It’s a scenic route that adds a little adventure to your trip.
What is the MassKara Festival?
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| MassKara Street Dancing Participants |
The term MassKara is a blend of the word mass (many people) and kara (face). It also closely resembles the Filipino word mascara, meaning “mask.” The festival is held annually on the weekend closest to October 19, which is Bacolod’s Charter Day.
MassKara is a Mardi Gras-style celebration, often called the Festival of Smiles — a nod to the warmth and cheer of the Negrenses despite past hardships.
Highlights of MassKara Festival 2014
Street Dancing Competition
The heart of MassKara is its street dancing competition, where schools and barangays compete in dazzling displays of colorful masks, costumes, and choreography. Streets are closed off to make way for performers who dance with electric energy to the beat of the city’s spirit.
Giant Puppet Parade
This year featured a giant puppet parade, with oversized versions of beloved characters like SpongeBob SquarePants, delighting both kids and the young at heart.
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| Look! It's SpongeBob! |
Electric MassKara
The Electric MassKara parade lit up the night with vibrant neon lights, illuminated masks, and live performances. Held on the festival’s final night, it’s a must-see spectacle.
Nightlife During the Festival
Lacson Street Turns Into a Giant Street Party
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| Dance with them! |
Every night, Lacson Street — the city’s main thoroughfare — becomes a pedestrian-only party strip. Food stalls, live bands, and local favorites like Chicken Inasal line the streets, serving thousands of locals and tourists.
Sweet Treats at Calea
A visit to Bacolod isn't complete without indulging in desserts from Calea, located along Lacson Street. Their cheesecakes and wide variety of cakes are the perfect treat after a day of festivities.
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| Calea Cakes |
Rave Parties and Music Festivals
The MassKara Invasion by Spectrum and MassKara Love Dance turned Bacolod into a party capital. Held at Café Bobs Open Grounds and the Central District Football Field, these events drew massive crowds who danced and raved from noon until sunrise.
Why You Should Visit MassKara Festival
MassKara isn’t just a festival; it’s a feeling. It’s the energy, the music, the people — and the smiles. Bacolodnons have every reason to smile, and as a tourist, even without a mask, you’ll find yourself smiling too.
Final Thoughts
Whether it’s your first time or a return trip, the MassKara Festival is a must-see event in the Philippines. Come for the fun, stay for the smiles — and leave with memories to last a lifetime.
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