Masskara Festival—Bacolod's Mardi Gras

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.

Dance to the beats and rhythm of the city's local version of samba, but you have to wear a smiling mask to feel the groove of the Masskara Festival's celebration. Watch as the people, wearing lavish and colorful dresses and masks, dance their heart out to the music. The plaza turns into a lively and wild party every night as thousands gather to eat and drink while listening to the bands playing. Taste the famous "chicken inasal of bacolod," and a variety of freshly caught seafood. Enjoy the aura, the music, the color, and the hospitality of the Bacolodnons. Come, see, and be a part of the Masskara Festival!