By Xander Ledesma
As nightfall enveloped Bacolod City, the energy at The Upper East Megaworld was palpable. The Electric MassKara 2024 lit up the venue with a dazzling display of lights, music, and vibrant culture. This year’s event, a central highlight in the city’s annual festival calendar, brought locals and tourists together in a dynamic celebration of Bacolod’s rich heritage and community spirit.
The Electric MassKara has evolved significantly since its humble beginnings in the early 1980s, originally conceived to uplift Bacolod’s spirits during the sugar crisis. Over the years, it has blossomed into one of the Philippines’ most vibrant and eagerly anticipated festivals. The term “MassKara” translates to “many faces,” symbolizing diversity, joy, and the city’s resilience.
This year’s festivities were more electrifying than ever, with vibrant lights illuminating the night sky, complemented by the lively beats of local musicians and performers. Crowds, adorned in colorful masks—a tradition dating back to the festival’s origins—gathered to revel in the lively atmosphere. Each mask tells its own story, embodying Bacolod’s enduring culture of hospitality and positivity.
Throughout the night, food stalls lined the streets, offering delicious local delicacies such as chicken inasal, piaya, and napoleones. The aroma of these culinary delights filled the air, adding to the sensory experience of the festival. Families and friends gathered, creating a scene of joy, laughter, and community bonding.
The Electric MassKara also provided a platform for local talent to shine. Emerging artists and popular bands took to the stage, delivering electrifying performances that resonated with the festival’s themes of unity and celebration. The parade of brightly lit floats, adorned with intricate designs and themes of happiness, added to the spectacle.
For many tourists, the Electric MassKara is more than just a festival—it’s an opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines. Visitors from across the globe, including the U.S., Europe, and Southeast Asia, flocked to Bacolod to witness the city’s vibrant energy firsthand.
The event concluded with a spectacular fireworks display that lit up the sky, marking the perfect end to a night filled with joy and celebration. The Electric MassKara 2024 once again highlighted Bacolod’s spirit of resilience, its rich cultural identity, and the power of celebration in fostering a sense of community. As the festival winds down, the spirit of MassKara lives on, reminding all who attended that even in challenging times, there is always a reason to celebrate.