In addition to being a country of a thousand islands, the Philippines is known for its festivities. People go to the northwest of Negros island in mid-October to meet with the natives and contribute to the MassKara celebration, one of the most important festivities in this island country.
The MassKara Festival, also known as the Festival of Smiles, is held annually in October in Bacolod City, the capital of Negros Occidental on the western coast of Visayas Island, Philippines. This is regarded as Asia’s most vivid Carnival celebration. Not only Bacolod residents, but Filipinos from neighboring islands, gathered to celebrate in the third week of this month. The main pathways are more elegantly decorated thanks to dancers dressed in vivid festival costumes and cheery, smiling masks.
Photo: First Time Travels
The MassKara festival has a significant humanistic significance
The first MassKara Festival was held in 1980. Bacolod was dealing with two significant issues at the time. Bacolod is renowned as the “sweet sugar city” for its agricultural-based economy, which is mainly reliant on sugarcane. The presence of American artificial sweeteners, on the other hand, has driven down the price of sugar cane, badly affecting the local economy. Approximately 700 people were killed in a shipwreck catastrophe that occurred shortly after. The entire city appeared to be shrouded in darkness.
Artists, municipal lawmakers, and a group of city workers resolved to arrange a one-of-a-kind event with the theme “festival of smiles” to entice residents to leave the long-term dreary environment. As a result, the MassKara celebration was founded as a declaration that the people of Bacolod will triumph no matter what. Visitors not only get to experience brief times of spiritual calm, but they also discover a meaningful lesson with tremendous humanistic significance.
To face economic collapse and tragic accidents, Filipinos have clearly opted to stand up and create opportunities for themselves to expose joy. The MassKara fall festival conveys a good message to guests by reflecting a strong sense of living and hope to overcome problems.
Photo: See Currents
MassKara Festival: Happiness in a peaceful world
During each festival, tens of thousands of locals and visitors flood the streets of Bacolod, producing a sea of vivid colors and hundreds of dazzling grins. The hammering sound of the drums and the joyous song create a vibrant, exuberant atmosphere. Dancers may be spotted all over Bacolod wearing vivid costumes and smiling masks adorned with glittering beads and feathers. They perform a variety of distinct street dances, similar to those seen at carnivals in Brazil or Venice. Visitors can sample local cuisine while watching bands and dancing troupes perform in flamboyant costumes to a variety of Latin melodies.
Furthermore, the streets here double as massive dance floors. Many of the event’s most exciting street dancing competitions will take place there. The street dance floor grew even more packed as everyone eagerly competed with the most attractive and appealing dances. Visitors can also enjoy the exciting music and the beer festival in the city’s expansive square.
The Electric MassKara event, with parade floats and dancer costumes all across Lacson Street, makes Bacolod even more joyous and stunning at night. The Electric MassKara festival along Lacson Street makes Bacolod even more festive at night. Colorful lights illuminate the streets, parade floats, and even the dancers’ clothing.
Bacolod is even more expensive and gorgeous at night, with parade floats and dancer costumes along Lacson Street for the Electric MassKara event. The Electric MassKara event on Lacson Street adds to the nightlife in Bacolod. The streets, parade floats, and even the dancers’ clothing are all brightly lit.
It is impossible to deny that Bacolod is a sea of vivid colors, with hundreds of beaming grins all throughout the celebration. Thumping percussion and joyful melody echo in a new, ecstatic setting. Today, the MassKara celebration is one of the most prominent Filipino holidays, drawing both locals and international tourists.
Photo: Focus 2 Move
MassKara runs for 20 days, beginning on 1 October. As a result, tourists should visit the Philippines to enjoy a cool autumn with the crowded Masskara celebration. This carnival will undoubtedly leave you with vivid and unique memories.