The colorful costumed dancers of the Bacolod Masskara Festival dazzled and mesmerized the audience at the Cathay International Chinese New Year Parade with their huge smiling masks and fluid rhythmic performance. Unbeknownst to those who watched the performance, there is a poignant story behind the Masskara Festival – a story of a people’s resilience in the face of adversity.
Nestled in the heart of the Negros region, Bacolod City comes alive every October with a vibrant explosion of color, music, and dance as it hosts the much-anticipated Masskara Festival. Drawing thousands of visitors from around the world, this iconic celebration has become an emblem of hope, resilience, and the unwavering spirit of the Filipino people.
The Masskara Festival, aptly named for the multitude of masks worn by revelers, is a dazzling display of creativity and joy. The masks, adorned with beaming smiles and intricate designs, reflect the festival’s overarching theme of happiness and optimism. Participants take it a step further by donning elaborate costumes, complete with headdresses and accessories, creating an atmosphere of extravagance and enchantment.
Unlike many other festivals in the predominantly Catholic Philippines, the Masskara Festival is not rooted in religious observance. Instead, it pays homage to the indomitable spirit of the Negros region, which has weathered its fair share of hardships throughout history.
The festival’s origins can be traced back to the early 1980s when Negros Occidental, known as the “Sugar Bowl of the Philippines,” faced economic turmoil due to the introduction of sugar alternatives. To supplement their income, locals began crafting masks made from coconut husks and papier-mâché, selling them to tourists.
Tragedy struck the province in April 1980 when the MV Don Juan, a passenger ship, tragically sank in the Tablas Strait, claiming the lives of numerous Negros residents. Determined to uplift the spirits of their grieving community, the local government of Bacolod spearheaded an initiative to organize a festival that would bring back smiles to the faces of its people.
Hence, on October 19, 1980, the Masskara Festival was born. The smiling masks, symbolizing hope and resilience, became the festival’s defining feature. Bacolod City, in recognition of the festival’s transformative impact, earned the moniker “City of Smiles.”
The Masskara Festival serves as a beacon of inspiration, reminding everyone of the power of unity, creativity, and a positive outlook in the face of adversity. It showcases the unwavering determination of the Bacolod City locals to overcome challenges and emerge stronger.
Today, the Masskara Festival stands as a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of the Filipino people. It has become a significant cultural event, attracting tourists from far and wide who come to witness the vibrant spectacle and immerse themselves in the infectious spirit of celebration.
As the Masskara Festival continues to evolve and captivate audiences, its smiling masks serve as a powerful symbol of the enduring human spirit and the ability to find joy even in the midst of life’s greatest trials. (R. Canete)
