Masskara Festival of Bacolod
- April 30, 2006
- Rated 5 of 5 by
paul's world from bacolod city, Philippines
The masskara festival is a week-long celebration (October) of the bacolodnon's, highlighted by the street dancing on October 19, with hundreds of participants wearing colorful costumes and artistically crafted "smiling" masks—dancing to the rhythm of a local version of samba. The city's streets and establishments are decorated with a variety of colorful and gigantic masks. This local version of mardi gras of the southern Philippines was conceptualized during the sugar slump in the '80s to boost the low morale of the locals. It was aimed as an encouragement to all to fight back and to keep smiling despite the sugar problems, and emphasized that hope still existed. Since then, the smiling masks has become the city's symbol, thus earning its tag as the "City of Smile." This annual festival, which has become one of Philippines best known tourist attraction, has been earning raves both from local and foreign tourists. Just a year ago (2005), the winning dance troupe sent to Japan was judged the most beautiful and colorful festival among the various contingents from other countries.
From journal Masskara Festival—Bacolod's Mardi Gras
Masskara Festival
- January 30, 2006
- Rated 5 of 5 by
writeonthespot from Bacolod, Philippines
Masskara Festival started when the sugar industry of Bacolod, then enjoying the title of "Philippines' Sugar Bowl," crashed. To encourage its citizens, the local government organized the festival, which is known for the colorful smiling masks donned during the celebration. Schools, establishments, and barangays would dance in the streets with varied beautiful masks. People would flock in Bacolod's main thoroughfares to watch the street dancers and attractive floats. Celebrated every October, Masskara is also the localized version of Oktoberfest. The city square would be filled with stalls selling barbecued chicken and lots and lots of beer. Bacolodnons would stay up till the wee hours of the morning drinking their favorite San Miguel Beer while music played in the background. Now, Masskara is a symbol, not of poverty and hunger, but of prosperity and gusto. With Bacolodnons' love for food, you would truly love to feast in this city of smiles.
From journal Bacolod is Home Sweet Home