Bacolod City, Negros Occidental
The City of Smiles
Known and loved for its food, festivals, and friendliness, Bacolod has been aptly dubbed the Philippines’ “City of Smiles.” Whether one lives here or is just visiting, the city and its people always make one feel at home.
Bacolod is a delightful first-class city that sits literally in the center of the country. With over 600,000 inhabitants, it is the most populous city in the Western Visayas. As the provincial capital, Bacolod is also its key hub for communications, trade, services, and government offices.
An Exquisite Blend of Old and New
An exquisite blend of old and new, the city offers modern conveniences and entertainment that comfortably mingle with ancient homes and traditions of generations past, as many Bacolodnon families date back to the Spanish colonial era.
Adored for its unique and irresistible cuisine, Bacolod—and the resorts that fringe the stunning island’s coastline—is a shrine for local and global travelers.
Masskara Festival: Blending Culture and Artistry
The Masskara Festival is an annual marvel held in the City of Smiles, Bacolod City every fourth Sunday in October.
It’s one of the biggest festivals in the Philippines, filled with exciting activities from street parties and food festivals, drum competitions, garden shows, to a street dance competition.
The vibrant festival seamlessly blends the culture and artistry of Bacolod, Philippines into an unforgettable experience. Drawing locals and tourists for decades, this annual festival aims to offer a unique insight into Negros Occidental heritage.
In this article, we’ll delve into the festival’s origins, traditions, and artistic elements, uncovering why the Masskara Festival is a must-visit for those seeking a deeper understanding of Filipino culture in the City of Smiles.
Unraveling the History of the Masskara Festival
The Bacolod Masskara Festival, often called the “Festival of Smiles,” emerged during the challenging early 1980s when Bacolod was grappling with an agricultural economic crisis.
This was brought on when the sugar industry production dipped to a record low.
Bacolod’s Resilience in Times of Uncertainties
Since sugar is the province’s main agricultural crop, Bacolod City lost its largest livelihood source. In addition, one of the biggest ocean liners, the MV Don Juan sank as it collided with the oil tanker Tacloban city off Tablas Strait in the coast of Mindoro, leaving many dead and unaccounted for.
This was a devastating tragedy for the people of Bacolod City since most passengers were locals, many from prominent families. The accident claimed 18 lives, with 115 people missing.
Amid these hardships, local artists from arts association, the city government, and civic leaders united to lift the spirits and bring back Bacolod City’s smiling faces. This resulted in the first Masskara Festival.
Its name cleverly fuses ‘mass’ (representing the multitude) and the Spanish word ‘cara’ (signifying face), symbolizing a communal face of resilience and joy that reflects Bacolod City’s ability to remain positive and find things to celebrate even in adversity.
Must-Experience Masskara Festival Features
The Signature Smiling Masks
The Masskara smiling masks are arguably the most captivating part of the dance competition participants’ colorful costumes.
These smiling masks, available in a myriad of designs from intricate to simple, often feature vibrant colors, bold patterns, and exaggerated smiles, epitomizing the festival’s theme: happiness.
Crafted from various materials like papier-mâché and clay, these masks are meticulously designed and handcrafted by skilled artisans. They are also very apt for representing Bacolod City as the City of Smiles.
The Annual Festival Parade
The centerpiece of the Masskara Festival is the grand parade, rivaling Brazil’s Rio Carnival. Talented dancers perform along Lacson Street and onto the Bacolod Public Plaza, in front of the architectural icon that is the San Diego Pro Cathedral.
The street dancing showcases creativity and the rich cultural heritage of Negros Occidental. Masskara Festival dancers, adorned with their colorful masks, groove to traditional music, creating an electric Masskara atmosphere that leaves a lasting impact on locals and foreign visitors alike.
The Masskara Festival Parade features different dance troupes and floats competing for the “Best in Masskara” title, with participants’ dedication evident in their street dances and bigger-than-life costumes.
A Culinary Exploration of Bacolod City
A trip to Bacolod City is incomplete without savoring its delectable cuisine. Another highlight of the Masskara Festival is its food festivals and displays.
For one, you can sample chicken inasal, a specialty dish of marinated chicken skewered and grilled to perfection.
The city is famed throughout the Philippines for its mouthwatering chicken inasal. It’s often served with garlic rice and a dipping sauce infused with a blend of spices, calamansi, and soy sauce, offering a tantalizing explosion of flavors that will set your taste buds dancing with delight.
You can also indulge in local sweets during the Masskara Festival, like piaya, a flat, sweet pastry filled with muscovado sugar and sesame seeds, or the legendary Calea cakes, a sweet-tooth’s paradise. The culinary journey in Bacolod City is an integral part of the local cultural experience.
Beyond the Smiles: Cultural Importance
While renowned for its joyous festivities, the Masskara Festival also holds profound cultural significance. The festival serves as a reminder of Bacolodnons’ resilience in the face of adversity throughout its challenging history.
It emphasizes that unity and creativity can lead to happiness and prosperity in challenging times.
The Masskara Festival isn’t just about revelry; it nurtures artistic creativity and craftsmanship. Thanks to the vibrant festival, the local mask-making industry has flourished, providing livelihoods to artisans in Bacolod City.
In recent times, the Masskara Festival has embraced contemporary art forms, infusing modern elements. This blending of tradition and innovation reflects the city’s adaptability and commitment to evolving while preserving its cultural roots.
Practical Tips for Visitors
It’s important to plan ahead to get the best Masskara Festival experience. Here are some travel tips to ensure an unforgettable experience:
Festival Dates: The Masskara Festival is held every October. However, the festivities are staggered throughout the month. In 2023, various event activities such as concerts, the Masskara Queen Pageant, and street parties are slated to happen from October 7 through 22.
Transportation: You can reach Bacolod City by air or sea. There are daily flights to and from around the Philippines through the Bacolod-Silay Airport. It may be a good idea to book ahead of the Masskara Festival since a lot of visitors and locals flock to the streets to celebrate the Masskara Festival throughout October.
Respect Local Customs: While enjoying the festival, respect local traditions and culture. Always seek permission before photographing individuals in elaborate costumes or masks during any event.
Stay Comfortable and Hydrated: The Masskara Festival can be lively and may involve considerable walking– and those may not always be short distances. Wear comfortable shoes, pack some sunscreen, and drink lots of water to protect yourself from the sun.
Accommodation: Bacolod City offers accommodation options for various budgets. Booking in advance is advisable, as hotels, guesthouses, and rental condos fill up quickly during the Masskara Festival season. However, you can make your Masskara Festival experience even more convenient when you stay in your own Camella Bacolod home, which puts you at the heart of the biggest party and festivities this side of the Philippines. It also allows you to be immersed in Bacolod City’s incredible local culture in a place you can call your own.
The Masskara Festival in Bacolod is not merely a celebration of artistry and culture; it symbolizes the spirit and resilience of locals. It serves as a powerful reminder to the Philippines that we can come together and find reasons to smile, even in adversity.
The vibrant masks, street dancing, and exquisite cuisine all contribute to making the Masskara Festival an event that should top every traveler’s bucket list.
This celebration transcends the smiles on the masks, leaving an enduring mark on all who experience it.
Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the artistry and culture of Bacolod at the renowned Masskara Festival – an adventure filled with color, laughter, and inspiration.
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