The Masskara Festival is an annual celebration held in Bacolod City, Philippines. The festival is known for its vibrant and colorful street parties, elaborate costumes, and intricately designed masks. “Masskara” is a portmanteau of two words, “mass” meaning crowd and “kara,” a Visayan term for “face,” symbolizing the happy and smiling faces of the festival participants.

The Masskara Festival was first introduced in the early 1980s as a response to the challenges and difficulties faced by the people of Bacolod due to economic hardships and a tragic ferry sinking. In the face of adversity, the community decided to come together and celebrate life through this unique and lively festival.

During the festival, you can witness street dance competitions where participants wear colorful masks and costumes while dancing to lively music. The masks often depict smiling faces and are made from various materials such as papier-mâché, wood, or plastic. Alongside the street dancing, there are also beauty pageants, food festivals, live music performances, and other cultural activities that showcase the rich heritage of Bacolod and the Negros Occidental region.

The Masskara Festival has become one of the Philippines’ most famous and highly anticipated festivals, attracting both locals and tourists from around the world. It typically takes place in October, with the main events happening during the third weekend of the month. The festival not only brings joy and entertainment but also reflects the resilience, creativity, and unity of the people of Bacolod.