Masskara Festival of Bacolod is dubbed as one of the best and most ecstatic tourism event in the Philippines. Being a unique festival that showcases the artistry of the Negrense culture, it has gained worldwide recognitions and has performed in various international events. For the first time I was able to witness this year’s celebration of Masskara Festival. It was a really fulgurant event and truly you have all the reasons to Smile in Bacolod. It is the way Bacolenos/ Negrenses celebrate in line with their Chartered Day celebration towards the culmination of Masskara.
This year’s event marked the 30th year of unleashing smiles and the celebration was grander than the previous ones. Tourists both local and foreign alike were everywhere during the fete and you can see the eagerness in them to witness such a colorful and eclectic street dance with sightly and intricately crafted masks along the thoroughfares of Bacolod. An innovative addition to the usual street dance competitions was introduced this year, the “Electric Masskara Ledge Dancing”. During nighttime street parties were held mostly along the stretch of Lacson Street closing down the area to the vehicles. There were stages in every corner with bands playing all through the night to entertain the partying crowd.
Masskara is held every 3rd week of October, a weeklong celebration that includes mask-making contest, food fairs, brass band competitions, beauty pageants (i.e. Ms. Masskara) and so much more.
Below are some photos during the highlights of the street dance competitions held on the last day of the event. Here are the winners of the street dance competitions.
Fireworks Display after the Charter Day Countdown
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