MassKara Festival

When: Held every October with the biggest parades and competitions concentrated on a weekend.

Where: Bacolod, Philippines - street parades, plazas and city venues across the downtown area.

Cost: Free to watch most street events; paid tickets may be required for reserved seats at grandstand competitions and indoor shows.

Don’t miss: The MassKara street dance parade featuring elaborately decorated smiling masks and synchronized troupe performances.

In Bacolod, Philippines, MassKara grew out of a desire to lift local spirits in the early 1980s, adopting smiling masks as a symbol of resilience and communal joy. The festival has since become the city’s signature event and a showcase of Negrense creativity.

During October the atmosphere is loud, colorful and communal: competing dance troupes perform choreographed street routines, maskmakers and costume teams display intricate designs, and nightly concerts, food stalls and parties spill into main commercial districts and public plazas. Expect procession routes and competition stages across the city rather than a single enclosed site.

MassKara is an annual festival held throughout October, with the program ramping up over several days and peaking on a weekend when the grand street-dance parade and major competitions take place. The exact schedule is published by the city each year, so check Bacolod’s official festival calendar before you travel.

Because many events run in the evenings and on weekends, plan to be in Bacolod for at least two full days of the core weekend to see the best parades and performances.

Fly into Bacolod - Silay Airport (the nearest international gateway) to reach Bacolod, Philippines; the airport is about a 20 - 30 minute drive to the city centre by taxi or shuttle. From the city centre the festival is best reached on foot, by short taxi rides or local jeepneys; arrive at least 48 hours beforehand and book hotels early, as accommodation fills fast.

• In Bacolod, Philippines expect very large, enthusiastic crowds during parade days; arrive early to claim a good street-side viewing spot.

• Bring sun protection and a light rain jacket - October can be hot and also subject to sudden tropical showers.

• Wear comfortable shoes for standing and walking; many best vantage points require a short walk from main transport hubs.

• Ask permission before taking close-up photos of performers or children; some groups charge for professional photos.

• Carry cash for street food, souvenirs and small purchases as busy streets have limited card facilities.

• Book hotels and any grandstand or indoor-show tickets several weeks in advance if you plan to attend the main parade days.