- Categories:
- Cultural
- Tags:
- Cultural HolidaysFestivities
- Where:
- Philippines
- Date change rule:
- 4th Sunday of October
- Holiday emoji:
- 🎭
Masskara Festival lights up Bacolod, Philippines, every fourth Sunday of October with a vibrant display of masks and street parties. This annual celebration, born from resilience, invites locals and tourists alike to embrace joy and unity. Join the revelry, don a mask, and dance to the rhythm of the city.
Want to sponsor Masskara Festival? Learn how
Expected Masskara Festival Deals
As the Masskara Festival approaches, expect Bacolod’s hotels and resorts to offer special packages for visitors, while local restaurants will feature authentic Negrense cuisine and festival-themed menus. Airlines like Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific often roll out promotional fares for flights to Bacolod. Bars and entertainment venues across the city will host themed parties and live music events throughout the festival period. Keep an eye out for deals from local craft vendors selling unique Masskara masks and souvenirs. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as October 25 approaches.
Platform Guide for Masskara Festival
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #MasskaraFestival. Share short videos of the vibrant street dances, colorful masks, and energetic atmosphere of Bacolod.
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #MasskaraFestival. Post your best photos and reels of the intricate masks, dazzling costumes, and festive parades.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #MasskaraFestival. Share event schedules, live streams of the street parties, and tips for enjoying the festival.
Masskara Festival Hero
Bacolod City Officials & Artists
History of Masskara Festival
The MassKara Festival started in 1980 during the dictatorship of the late President Ferdinand Marcos. The prices of sugar, the province’s main agricultural crop and livelihood source, were at a record low following the introduction of sugar alternatives into the market. Consequently, two artists came up with the idea of promoting mask making as an alternative source of income for the locals. In the same year, a tragic ferry incident occurred — the MV Don Juan sank, resulting in the deaths of many people from the province. The MassKara Festival was then created to bring back smiles and uplift the locals’ spirits during those difficult times.
The smiling masks used in the festival were a declaration of Bacolod locals’ resilience in the face of challenges and tragedy, prompting the city to become known as the “City of Smiles.” The festival name is a portmanteau of the words ‘mass’ (many) and ‘kara’ (faces), thus forming ‘MassKara,’ or the Festival of Many Faces. Before the festival, the masks were sold to tourists as the province’s signature souvenirs. Since the celebration’s inception, however, the smiling masks have become a symbol of the exciting festival.
The highlight of the MassKara Festival is a dance competition, where participants don colorful costumes and vibrant, smiling masks and dance to Latin music. Besides this, there is Bacolod’s biggest street party, Electric MassKara. As the most awaited festival event, this night parade features LED-lit dancers, bands, and floats. Other activities include the MassKara Festival Queen beauty pageant, food festivals, and float parade. The festival, flooded by locals and tourists, is renowned for its colorful decorations and masks.
Masskara Festival timeline
Sugar prices plunge to a record low.
MV Don Juan collides with the tanker Tacloban City and sinks in Tablas Strait.
The MassKara Festival is held to raise the spirits of the locals.
MassKara Festival is held with only a virtual audience.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Masskara Festival
Local businesses in Bacolod can fully embrace the Masskara Festival by decorating their storefronts with colorful masks and banners, offering festival-themed promotions, and extending operating hours. Restaurants and cafes can create special menus featuring local delicacies and beverages, while hotels can partner with tour operators to offer curated festival experiences. Engaging with local artists to display their mask art or hosting mini-performances can draw in crowds and enhance the festive atmosphere.
Masskara Festival FAQs
When is Masskara Festival?
The Masskara Festival culminates on Sunday, October 25, 2026, in Bacolod, Philippines. The entire festival typically spans several weeks leading up to this grand finale.
What does 'Masskara' mean?
The name ‘Masskara’ is a portmanteau: ‘mass’ for multitude and ‘kara’ from the Spanish word ‘cara’ (face), creating ‘a mass of faces.’ It also puns on ‘maskara,’ the Filipino word for mask, reflecting the festival’s iconic smiling masks.
Why was the Masskara Festival started?
The Masskara Festival began in 1980 during a period of crisis for Bacolod, marked by a sugar industry downturn and a tragic maritime accident. It was initiated to uplift the spirits of the local community, encouraging them to wear smiles despite hardships and to celebrate the city’s resilience.
What are the main events of the Masskara Festival?
The festival’s highlights include the street dance competition, where groups in elaborate costumes and masks perform to lively music. Other key events are the Electric Masskara (a night parade), the Masskara Queen beauty pageant, drum and bugle corps competitions, and various food festivals.
Masskara Festival Activities
Go to the festival
The only way to celebrate the MassKara Festival is by indulging yourself in it. It’s time for you to have fun, drink, and party on the Bacolod streets.
Wear comfortable shoes
There is plenty of walking and dancing during the festival. You may want to wear your most comfortable shoes while partying.
Try everything
The MassKara Festival is one of the country’s biggest festivals, and many activities occur. Try everything you can during this festival — the food, party, and more!
5 Facts About Bacolod You Need To Know
It used to be on a hill
Bacolod’s was originally located on a hill, not on the shoreline.
It has the best chicken inasal
Bacolod is home to Inasal Street, known for the best chicken inasal, a well-known grilled chicken dish.
It’s the “Football City” of the Philippines
Besides being the “City of Smiles, Bacolod is known as the nation’s “Football City.”
MassKara isn’t the Mother of Festivals
The MassKara Festival may be one of the biggest festivals in Bacolod City, but the Panaad Festival, held every April, is known as the Mother of Festivals.
It’s home to sweets
Because sugar is the province’s primary industry, Bacolod is home to various sweets, including ‘barquillos,’ ‘biscocho,’ ‘napoleones,’ and ‘piaya.’
Why We Love Masskara Festival
It’s an important declaration
Born out of crises, the MassKara Festival is celebrated as a declaration of the will to survive challenges and tragedies. It’s celebrated to bring back the smiles of locals.
It’s a whole lot of fun
With a dancing competition, Electric MassKara, and MassKara Festival Queen beauty pageant, this festival will surely be packed with entertainment. Visitors can drink and party on the city streets.
It’s a reminder
The MassKara Festival shows that we can choose how we react to the different challenges we face. Smiles can represent a positive attitude toward facing challenges.
Masskara Festival dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | October 26 | Sunday |
| 2026 | October 25 | Sunday |
Social Media Tips for Masskara Festival
Individuals
Creators
Brands