MassKara Festival

Writer: Philip & Peter F. Sugaton

The second vlog is about the MassKara festival wherein we fix ourselves to join and celebrate the MassKara festival. This event is not new for us because we grew up celebrating the said event.

HISTORY

Every October the event is celebrated every first week until the third week. The MassKara Festival is an annual event in Bacolod, Philippines, that takes place on the fourth Sunday of October. This year's date is October 22nd. For almost 40 years, it has been renowned as a time for residents and visitors to have fun, drink, and party on the city streets as one of the nation's largest festivals.

THE CRISIS

The MassKara Festival began in 1980, amid a crisis and tragedy when sugar prices, the principal source of income, were at an all-time low. A horrible boat accident occurred this year, thus the MassKara Festival was conducted to boost the spirits of the inhabitants. The smiling masks worn in the event symbolized Bacolod residents' fortitude in the face of adversity and sorrow, earning the city the moniker City of Smiles.

The name of the event is a combination of the word's mass (many) and 'kara' (faces), resulting in 'MassKara,' or the Festival of Many Faces. The centerpiece of the MassKara Festival is a dance competition in which contestants dress up in bright costumes and smiley masks and dance to Latin music. Aside from it, there is Electric MassKara, Bacolod's largest street celebration. This night parade, the most anticipated festival event, features LED-lit dancers, bands, and floats. The MassKara Festival Queen beauty competition, cuisine festivals, and float procession are among the other events. The celebration, which attracts both residents and visitors, is known for its colorful decorations and masks.

MY EXPERIENCE IN MASSKARA FESTIVAL

My experience in mascara was the best wherein I can go anywhere in the city preferably to Lacson and the public plaza of Bacolod City. One of the best experiences at the event was I always watch mass dance because I like the choreography of every barangays and the costumes and props that they use to it in the competition. Also, it's more fun to go to Lacson street because you can see a lot of events here like fun games, sing along, booths, and queues where you can buy and eat native and authentic barbeques like chicken inasal, Betamax, isaw, hotdogs, chicken feet and many more. Then you see a lot of people celebrating, dancing, talking, chit-chatting, drinking alcoholic drinks, etc.

What about you tell me more about your festival in your local cities? You can give a suggestion or feedback so I can give my best to make a great vlog next time or you can message me on my account on FB and Instagram. For more updates please follow my FB page and Instagram for a more great experience.