MassKara Festival in Bacolod and Iloilo
Part of the Bacolod and Iloilo travel guide — see every topic in All Bacolod and Iloilo Guides.
MassKara is the big festival of Bacolod, held every October. Dancers in bright costumes and smiling masks fill the streets, with drums and music all day and late into the night. The name joins two words: mass, meaning many people, and cara, the Spanish word for face. Together it means a crowd of many faces. This guide explains the story of the festival and how to enjoy it.
A festival of smiles
MassKara began in 1980, during a hard time for Bacolod. The price of sugar, the main crop of the province, had fallen, and many people lost income. In the same year a large ferry disaster took the lives of many people from the region. City leaders and artists wanted to lift the spirits of the people. They created a festival with smiling masks as its symbol, to show that people could face hard times with hope. The masks also fit Bacolod's old nickname, the City of Smiles.
Masks and costumes
The masks are the heart of MassKara. They are large, bright and covered in beads, feathers, sequins and paint, and each one shows a smiling face. Dance groups spend months making their costumes and masks. Many local schools and neighbourhoods form teams to compete in the street dance. The colours are bold, and the music is a fast mix of drums and Latin-style beats. Visitors can buy smaller masks from stalls in the city and wear them during the celebrations.
Main events
MassKara runs for much of October. The highlights are the street dance competition and the arena dance, where groups perform full routines for judges. There are also night parties along Lacson Street, with music stages, food stalls and crowds until late. Other events include food fairs, concerts and contests. The biggest days are usually in mid-October, close to the city's charter day on 19 October. The schedule changes each year, so check the official program from the city before you go. Arrive early for a good place to watch the street dance.
Tips for visitors
Book your room early, because hotels in Bacolod fill up during the festival. Expect heavy traffic and closed roads around the main areas. Wear light clothes and comfortable shoes, and bring water, because October can be hot and humid, with some rain. Keep your phone and wallet safe in crowds. Street food is everywhere, and the festival is a good time to try chicken inasal and local sweets. If you prefer quiet, visit Bacolod in another month, when rooms are easier to find.
MassKara Festival at a glance
| Getting there | Bacolod-Silay Airport, or fast ferry from Iloilo City in about one to one and a half hours |
|---|---|
| Hours | Events through the day; street parties late into the night |
| Cost | Street events are free; some arena events may need tickets |
| Best time | October, especially mid-October; dates change each year |
| Tip | Book rooms early and check the official program |