Viva La Masskara!!!

Welcome to the City of Smiles!
Bacolod City, home of the Masskara Festival, Philippines, has always opened its doors to the world, and each year plays a generous host to visiting tourists from all over the globe. A week-long celebration and partying is witnessed and enjoyed by everyone who loves fun and culture.

Click to see more pictures of the Masskara Festival by George Pontino Jr.

The annual Masskara festival events include the traditional street dancing by the different *"barangays" of the city. It is a contest whose criteria include costume, dance, and ingenuity. The dancers dance to Latin beats in colorful attires and energy-filled dance moves. Local artists also flaunt their artworks as they display it along Lacson street. Something that sets the Masskara Festival different from the usual festivals.

Local artist Charlie Co's (moving) papier-mache float, Majica.

For this special event, the main road, Lacson street, is closed for a week as it houses the many kiosks, platforms, bands, artworks, and ornaments-vendors. Although during daytime and rush hour the traffic seems spiteful, the festive spirit is everywhere that nobody really complains for longer than 10 minutes. Everyone is just all worked up for the fun parties & get-togethers!

The Bacolod Government Center, October 19, 2009, 00:00

The Masskara Festival is usually during the 3rd week of October, near the 19th of the month which is the charter day of Bacolod. This year is the 30th Masskara Festival, and the inauguration of the new Government Center (a.k.a. City Hall). On the last day of the festival, October 18, a countdown 'til midnight at the new Government center was joined by hundreds of *Bacoleños awaiting the fireworks display to celebrate the charter day. Fireworks have always had that magical feel to it -- and this moment was indeed an enchanting sight.

In the midst of the Masskara Festival, being drowned in the crowd is like being Alice, in Wonderland -- in a good way (nothing scary or confusing). While walking along (Lacson) street you will hear a band playing, and then just about 20 steps away, another one is playing, and it goes on like that for the entire street. Along the sidewalks kiosks are lined with the sizzling sound of meat being grilled and the faint smoke from the grillers seems to make things more alive -- plus the smell of the food being grilled is just irresistible! Another trademark of the Masskara Festival.

In between kiosks you may see stands selling lighted toys, headbands, and necklaces. You may also come across a vendor or two roaming around selling glowing lollipops! Imagine walking in a street and seeing people with glowing sticks in their mouths.

It might be a bit too early for Halloween, but some people go around wearing costumes. Some go as ninjas, geishas, some with those big feathery head dresses. You may stumble on a sight or two or three, okay or more than that, of people with face paints and glittery tattoos. It's simply getting lost in Wonderland!

(Top-Bottom) Youngsters in their costumes; and an artist doing some body painting

That's not all! For party animals, there are also parties going on at clubs -- they too have gimmicks on this special event, and many have gone home smiling with the stuff they've won. There are also events like the Masskara Queen beauty pageant, where you can witness the beauty of the *Bacoleños.



(Left-Right) Party at Club North ; Tourists enjoying their view of the busy and fun Lacson street ; the Masskara Queen 2009: Aika Uy

So whether you want to party, savor the food, or simply have a taste of culture, drop by Bacolod City next October and witness the Masskara festival, and bask in the excitement -- you might just wanna stay! :)