By Xander Ledesma
For 45 years, Bacolod City has celebrated the MassKara Festival, a colorful event known for its vibrant street dancing, art, and merrymaking. Yet, behind the masks and painted smiles lies a deeper narrative that many, especially younger generations, may not fully understand. The MassKara Festival was born out of adversity in 1980, during a time of economic hardship and tragedy. The sinking of the M/V Don Juan claimed 176 lives, compounding the struggles of Bacolod’s people, who were already reeling from a collapsing sugar industry.
To honor the 45th MassKara Festival and preserve the stories of resilience behind it, a group of 50 Bacolod artists collaborated on creating the city’s longest mural. Located on the historic Hernaez Mansion, this 150-meter artwork spans three major streets and serves as a vivid reminder of Bacolod’s past. Completed in just two days, the mural represents a powerful symbol of community and volunteerism, with each brushstroke telling the tale of the city’s enduring strength.
The mural celebrates Bacolod’s culture, using colors like Piaya Beige, MassKara Yellow, and Smile Purple to evoke the essence of the city’s rich history and the iconic MassKara Festival. Through this collective effort, the artists hope to remind Bacolod’s youth that the festival isn’t just about celebration—it’s about honoring a legacy of resilience, creativity, and hope.
As Bacolod continues to thrive, this mural stands as a silent storyteller, inviting both locals and visitors to reflect on the city’s journey from hardship to triumph. More than just a visual spectacle, it embodies the human spirit’s ability to overcome adversity, ensuring that the legacy of the MassKara Festival will live on in the hearts of generations to come.