Introduction
The MassKara Festival in Bacolod City, Philippines, is one of the most exciting and colorful festivals in the country, famously known as the “Festival of Smiles” 
. Held every October, this celebration is a symbol of the resilience and joy of the Bacolodnons. With MassKara Festival 2024 approaching, it’s time to plan your visit! From the vibrant street dances to delicious local food, this guide covers everything you need to make the most of your MassKara experience.
Table of Contents
What is the MassKara Festival? 
The MassKara Festival was born out of a time of crisis in the 1980s when Bacolod faced economic struggles and tragedy. To uplift the community, the festival was created to celebrate smiles and unity. The term “MassKara” is a combination of “mass” (many people) and “cara” (face), symbolizing the colorful smiling masks that have become the festival’s signature.
Today, MassKara is a symbol of resilience, attracting thousands of tourists from around the world to witness its street parades, dance competitions, and elaborate masks. The festival is an explosion of color, music, and smiles .
MassKara Festival 2024 Schedule and Events
MassKara Festival 2024 will take place throughout October, with the main events happening on the third weekend of the month. Here’s a quick breakdown of the highlights:
- Street Dance Competition: The festival’s most popular event, where dancers in colorful costumes and masks parade through the streets, showing off their energy and creativity.
- MassKara Queen Pageant: A beauty pageant that showcases the beauty and talent of Bacolod’s women.
- MassKara Mask-Making Contest: Watch artisans craft intricate masks, each more elaborate than the next.
- Concerts and Parties: Lacson Street transforms into a massive party venue , with live music, street performers, and food stalls.
, with live music, street performers, and food stalls.Check the official MassKara Festival website for the latest updates on event schedules and venues.
How to Get to Bacolod for the MassKara Festival
Getting to Bacolod for the MassKara Festival is fairly straightforward, with a range of options depending on where you’re coming from. Whether you’re flying in from an international destination or traveling domestically, here’s a detailed guide on how to reach Bacolod, including estimated travel expenses.
1. Flights to Bacolod
The fastest and most convenient way to get to Bacolod is by air. Bacolod-Silay Airport (BCD) serves domestic and some international flights. If you’re flying domestically, major airlines such as Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and AirAsia have daily flights to Bacolod from key cities like Manila, Cebu, and Davao.
- From Manila to Bacolod:
- Flight Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Average Fare: PHP 2,500 – PHP 5,000 (one-way)
- From Cebu to Bacolod:
- Flight Duration: 1 hour
- Average Fare: PHP 1,500 – PHP 3,500 (one-way)
- From Davao to Bacolod:
- Flight Duration: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Average Fare: PHP 2,500 – PHP 5,000 (one-way)
For international tourists, your best option is to fly into Manila (Ninoy Aquino International Airport – NAIA) or Cebu (Mactan-Cebu International Airport) and then take a connecting domestic flight to Bacolod. Some seasonal direct flights may be available from nearby countries like Hong Kong or Singapore during the peak festival period.
2. Ferries to Bacolod
If you prefer traveling by sea, Bacolod is accessible by ferry from nearby islands like Iloilo and Cebu. Ferries are a slower but more scenic and often budget-friendly alternative to flying.
From Iloilo to Bacolod:
- Ferry Operators: OceanJet, SuperCat, 2GO Travel
- Travel Time: Approximately 1.5 – 2 hours
- Fare: PHP 250 – PHP 500 (one-way)
From Cebu to Bacolod:
- Ferry Operators: 2GO Travel
- Travel Time: Approximately 6 – 8 hours (overnight ferry)
- Fare: PHP 1,000 – PHP 2,000 (one-way, economy class)
Ferries typically arrive at the BREDCO Port or the Banago Wharf in Bacolod, which are both just a short drive away from the city center.
3. Land Travel to Bacolod
If you’re already in Negros Occidental or surrounding areas, taking a bus is another option. The Ceres Bus Line operates air-conditioned buses to Bacolod from nearby cities like Dumaguete, Kabankalan, and San Carlos.
From Dumaguete to Bacolod:
- Travel Time: 6 hours
- Fare: PHP 300 – PHP 500 (one-way)
From Kabankalan to Bacolod:
- Travel Time: 2.5 hours
- Fare: PHP 120 – PHP 200 (one-way)
From San Carlos to Bacolod:
- Travel Time: 3.5 hours
- Fare: PHP 150 – PHP 300 (one-way)
Buses typically stop at the North Bus Terminal or South Bus Terminal in Bacolod, depending on your point of origin.
Additional Travel Tips:
- Book Early: Prices for flights and ferries can spike during the MassKara Festival due to increased demand, so it’s best to book tickets as early as possible to secure better rates.
- Budget-Friendly Options: If you’re on a tight budget, consider booking promo fares or using budget airlines like Cebu Pacific and AirAsia, which often offer seat sales months ahead of the event.
- Travel Insurance: It’s always a good idea to purchase travel insurance in case of any flight delays or cancellations, which can be common during peak seasons like MassKara.
Things to Do in Bacolod During the MassKara Festival
While the MassKara Festival itself is a grand spectacle that takes over Bacolod, there are plenty of other activities and attractions to enjoy in and around the city during your visit. From cultural landmarks to delicious local cuisine, here are some must-do experiences while you’re in Bacolod.
1. Visit Bacolod’s Iconic Landmarks
The Ruins: Known as the “Taj Mahal of the Philippines,” The Ruins is an iconic mansion located in Talisay City, just outside Bacolod. It’s a beautiful architectural masterpiece built in the early 1900s and serves as a reminder of the opulent past of the sugar barons of Negros. The Ruins light up beautifully at night, making it a popular spot for evening visits and photography.
- Entrance Fee: PHP 100 for adults, PHP 50 for students
- Travel Tip: Visit late afternoon to catch the golden hour and stay until the lights are turned on.
San Sebastian Cathedral: Located in the heart of Bacolod City, this historical cathedral is a beautiful example of colonial architecture. It’s a peaceful place to reflect or simply enjoy the surroundings before heading to festival activities nearby.
- Entrance Fee: Free
Negros Museum: Dive into the rich cultural history of Negros Occidental at this museum, where you’ll find exhibits on the sugar industry, indigenous arts, and local history. It’s a great spot for history buffs wanting to learn more about Bacolod and the surrounding province.
- Entrance Fee: PHP 100 for adults, PHP 70 for students
2. Explore Bacolod’s Vibrant Food Scene
Bacolod is a food lover’s paradise, and visiting during the MassKara Festival offers the perfect opportunity to sample some of the region’s best dishes. Here are some local must-try specialties:
Chicken Inasal: This famous grilled chicken dish is a Bacolod specialty, seasoned with local herbs and spices, and grilled to perfection. Visit Manokan Country, a row of eateries dedicated to serving the best inasal, and try it with rice topped with chicken oil.
- Average Price: PHP 100 – PHP 200 per meal
Batchoy: Originating from the nearby city of Iloilo, batchoy is a hearty noodle soup made with pork, liver, and crushed pork cracklings. It’s a popular comfort food that many restaurants in Bacolod serve, especially during the festival season.
- Average Price: PHP 80 – PHP 150 per bowl
Calea Cakes and Pastries: If you have a sweet tooth, don’t miss Calea, one of Bacolod’s most famous dessert spots. They’re known for their wide variety of cakes, with the chocolate mud pie being a crowd favorite.
- Average Price: PHP 100 – PHP 150 per slice
3. Take Part in the Nightlife and Street Parties
During MassKara Festival, Bacolod’s nightlife scene is in full swing with lively street parties. The epicenter of the festival nightlife is along Lacson Street, which turns into a long stretch of party venues. Expect music performances, dancing, and food stalls offering local delicacies well into the night.
- Street Food and Beer Stalls: Join the locals in trying Bacolod’s best street food, such as grilled squid, pork barbecue, and piaya (a sweet flatbread filled with muscovado sugar). Wash it down with a bottle of San Miguel beer or local brews.
- Average Price: PHP 50 – PHP 100 for street food snacks
4. Shop for Souvenirs and Handmade MassKara Masks
No trip to the MassKara Festival is complete without taking home some souvenirs. Handmade MassKara masks are available in markets and pop-up stalls all over Bacolod. Each mask is a unique piece of art, often adorned with beads, feathers, and vibrant colors.
- Best Places to Buy Masks: Visit the Central Market or stalls along Lacson Street to find affordable and beautifully crafted masks.
- Price Range: PHP 100 – PHP 500 depending on the complexity of the design.
5. Visit Neighboring Towns and Nature Attractions
If you have extra time, consider taking a day trip to nearby nature attractions around Negros Occidental:
Mambukal Mountain Resort: Located about an hour from Bacolod, this resort offers hot springs, waterfalls, and nature trails for those who want to relax after the excitement of the festival.
- Entrance Fee: PHP 50 per person
- Travel Time: 1 hour from Bacolod City
Campuestohan Highland Resort: A family-friendly resort in Talisay, offering scenic views, swimming pools, and fun activities like zip-lining. It’s a great place to take a break from the festival crowds and enjoy the cooler mountain air.
- Entrance Fee: PHP 200 per person
- Travel Time: 40 minutes from Bacolod City
How to Join the MassKara Festival as a Tourist
Joining the MassKara Festival is simple, and there are several ways you can fully immerse yourself in the celebration:
- Watch the Street Dances: Simply head to the major streets of Bacolod, especially Lacson Street, and find a good spot to watch the street dances.
- Join the Parties: Bacolod’s nightlife during MassKara is legendary. Many street parties and bars will be open late, offering a chance to mingle with locals and other tourists.
- Buy a Mask: Take part in the tradition by purchasing a MassKara mask from a local vendor and wear it during the festivities!
Frequently Asked Questions About the MassKara Festival
1. How much does it cost to attend the MassKara Festival?
Most events are free, including the street parades and dance competitions. However, some VIP areas and concerts may charge tickets ranging from PHP 500 – PHP 1,500.
2. What’s the best time to arrive for events?
Arrive by Friday morning of the third weekend of October to catch the best performances. Street dances and parades usually start early, so secure a spot along the main parade routes by 8:00 AM.
3. What should I wear to the MassKara Festival?
Wear light, breathable clothing and comfortable shoes, as you’ll be walking and standing for long periods. Don’t forget sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for daytime events!
4. Can tourists participate in the MassKara Festival?
Absolutely! Tourists can join street parties, wear masks, and participate in mask-making workshops. Everyone is welcome to celebrate and enjoy the festivities.
5. How do I stay safe during the MassKara Festival?
- Keep an eye on your belongings to avoid pickpockets in crowded areas.
- Stay hydrated by carrying water.
- Use official transportation like taxis or jeepneys, and avoid unregistered vehicles.
For the latest updates on MassKara Festival 2024, follow the official social media accounts or visit the Bacolod tourism website.
Conclusion
The MassKara Festival 2024 is set to be an unforgettable experience, combining the rich culture of Bacolod with its festive and resilient spirit. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a festival regular, there’s always something new and exciting to explore. Make sure to plan your trip, book your accommodations, and get ready to smile all the way through this colorful celebration!
