Bacolod, The “City of Smiles” & Merriment

Masskara, one of the most colorful and upbeat festival in the Philippines. Celebrated on the 19^th of  October, during the charter day of Bacolod City . “Mass” meaning crowd and “cara” for face, originally coined by painter Ely Santiago. Masskara Festival was initially created to uplift the spirit of  the people during the tragic times in the 1980’s. Since then it became one of the most highly anticipated festival of the year because of it's  month long celebration.

The highlight of the festival is the street dancing competition and parade. Each team that represents a dance group wears a mask and costume originally designed for their specific dance moves.

A beaming face with a smile and laughing gesture is a must in every mask worn by performers as well as colorful and exquisite costume. 

I was lucky enough to be invited to witness the festival up close. Armed with our cameras and gears, we followed, danced and took photos of the happiest festival. We dance and groove to the beat and the electrifying energy of Masskara.

It was an amazing experience to witness the highly energetic moves in the midst of heat and heavy headgear they wore and not to mention the highly embellished and grand costume that takes us somehow to a fantasy world . It’s so lively, upbeat and at the same time a feast to your eyes. Kudos to the designers for they really are world class designs! Some of the highlights are Masskara Invasion @ Lacson Street, Lacson Street Night Party, Masskara Queen Coronation night, Dansskara, Electric Masskara, Masskara Fashion Week, Trade Fair, Boodle Fight at thePlaza, Masskara Street Dance Competition,  and countdown to Bacolod Charter Anniversary at the Municipal Hall.

  Absolutely one of the best party that everyone must attend!

 

By Jenni DunganThis Article was published in HKNews October 2014 Issue For more photos visit this linkshttps://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.362375577174009&type=1https://www.facebook.com/groups/we.are.funtastic.philippines/