BACOLOD CITY – Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez and Lone District Rep. Greg Gasataya led the crowd of 45,000 in welcoming the 45th MassKara Festival during the countdown held at the Bacolod City Government Center grounds Friday midnight.
“MassKara Festival was the very first biggest celebration staged in the country right after the Covid-19 pandemic in 2022. Since then, it continues to be the festival of choice in the Philippines,” Benitez said as he officially opened the festival.
Together with the rest of the city officials, Gasataya welcomed revelers to the 16-day festival.
“We open once again our festival of vibrant colors and smiles full of joy, a festival of our story embracing unity and hope,” he added.
According to the festival organizer, Bacolod Yuhum Foundation (BYF), the crowd estimate was based on the figures provided by the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) led by city director Col. Joeresty Coronica.
“The event was successful without any major security incidents, allowing the public to fully enjoy the festivity,” the BCPO said in a statement on Saturday.
As part of the security measures, the Philippine National Police has enforced a gun ban or suspension of permits to carry firearms outside of residence for the duration of the festival, from 12:01 a.m. on October 11 to 11:59 p.m. on October 27.
The festival opened with the presentation of Miss Bacolod MassKara candidates, and performances from the MassKara dancers and Elektrika Divas. It was capped with a mini-concert of pop-rock band December Avenue.
Set from October 12 to October 27, the festivity’s Sapphire Edition has four major festival sites, including the Bacolod City Government Center, Bacolod Public Plaza, Lacson Tourism Strip, and Megaworld’s The Upper East.
In a statement, BYF president Katherine Matiling said more than 80 companies have pledged sponsorship for the festival.
“It has become bigger and larger each year because of its exposure to international events and the participation of popular artists,” she added.
This year’s major events include MassKaralympics on October 4-25; MassKaNamit cookfest, October 15-17; Miss Bacolod MassKara finals night, October 19; Lacson MassKara 2024: Kingdom, October 25-27; MassKarade Ball, October 25; Electric MassKara, October 26; and MassKara Street Dance and Arena Competition on October 27.
MassKara, which means many faces, is highlighted by the famous street dancers clad in colorful and intricately designed costumes, masks, and headdresses performing during the final weekend of the festival.
The festival symbolizes the resilience and perseverance of Bacolodnons and Negrenses, after a series of tragedies in the early 1980s, particularly the sugar industry crisis and the sinking of Negros Navigation’s M/V Don Juan. (PNA)