If you love attending masquerades then you shouldn’t miss out on one of the biggest masquerade parties to hit one of the Philippines most indulgent of cities. Yes, Bacolod City is known for throwing one of the most happening and fun-filled festivals every year in the month of October. With glittery costumes and intricately prepared colourful masks, beer-drinking and street dancing, the famed Masskara festival is guaranteed to uplift the spirits of all participants and onlookers. So if you have been wanting to visit the culturally rich country of the Philippines, then there simply isn’t a better time than this upcoming month of October. Be a part of the fun and the endless festivities that the people of Negros Occidental province celebrate.
When does the Masskara festival start?
The much-awaited Masskara Festival is held every year in the third week of October in the Bacolod City of Negros Occidental province. The festival is known to bring in large crowds of not only participants but also foreigners and follows huge celebrations. The term Masskara was coined by the famed cultural artist Ely Santiago meaning “mass” and “faces” signifying a large number of crowds that participate wearing colourful masks. Bacolod City is often referred to as the “City of Smiles” owing to the excited and jubilant crowds of the Masskara Festival.
The festival was inaugurated in order to uplift the spirits of the people of Negros and bring smiles to their faces after facing tough times at the sugar industry.
What to look forward to at the Masskara Festival
Masskara Festival has gained the reputation of being one of the most colourful and beautiful festivals of its calibre. Attracting massive crowds that adorn their beautifully and intricately designed glittery costumes and colourful masks that reflect the jovial Negrense spirit, the festival is definitely one of a kind. The masses then celebrate and display their enthusiasm at the public plaza with music, street dancing and huge amounts of beer.
On the weekend nearest to 19 October, the biggest party in Bacolod is scheduled to take place. With the sound of the beating drums that reverberate in the air, you would wish the party simply never ends. Find yourself getting lost in the sea of gorgeous patterns, stunning masked dancers as they dance through the streets of Bacolod city.
The festival also hosts a street dance competition whereby dancers from different towns come together to display their expertise putting on a fantastic show. The sound of the beating drums is enough to get you moving. So stop whatever you are doing and look for cheap flights to the Philippines for the upcoming month in order to be a part of all the frenzy and celebration.
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