Why do people wear masks in MassKara?

MassKara Festival started at a time of crisis and disaster in the 1980s. That is the origin of MassKara Festival. The smiling masks were a declaration of the people of Bacolod City that they will pull through and survive the challenges and tragedies that they are facing. Hence, Bacolod is called “The City of Smiles”.

What does MassKara mask symbolize?

The symbol of the Masskara Festival is a smiling mask, which was envisioned to show that the people Negros Province manifests a happy spirit in spite of all the crisis they have gone through. The Masskara Festival is a symbol of the Filipino spirit that remembers to be happy in spite of tough times.

What is the historical background of MassKara Festival?

The MassKara Festival can trace its roots back in the 1980s and was born out of a crisis. It was during the time when the province’s main livelihood, sugar, was priced at an all-time low because of alternatives introduced in the market.

What is BacoLaodiat festival?

The BacoLaodiat is an annual Chinese New Year celebration in the city. It was coined from the words “Bacolod” and “Lao Diat,” a Fookien word for celebration. City Mayor Evelio Leonardia has issued an executive order suspending the celebration, which is held to usher in the Chinese New Year that falls on Friday, Feb.

What makes Masskara unique?

Famous for its elaborate and bright masks and costumes, Masskara Festival wows its beholders with its heart-pounding music, blissful people, spectacular street parade and mind-blowing parties. We’ve listed down a few reasons why should experience this vibrant, colorful and unique festival in the Philippines!

Why is Bacolod City of Smiles?

Bacolod is the capital city of the province of Negros Occidental in the Philippines. It is known as the City of Smiles because of its MassKara Festival, a Mardi Gras-like festival and a spectacularly vivid mix of dance, color and music.

Is Ati-Atihan a religious festival?

The festivity was originally a pagan festival from this tribe practicing Animism, and their worshiping their anito god. Spanish missionaries gradually added a Christian meaning. Today, the Ati-Atihan is celebrated as a religious festival.

What is the message of the masskara?

MassKara Festival is alternately known as the ‘festival of smiles’ due to the tradition of the masks that the people wear donning smiles to represent the message of happiness. Because of the festival, Bacolod is also designated as the ‘City of Smiles’.

Is Ati Atihan a religious festival?

Is Pahiyas festival religious?

The Pahiyas festival place of origin is Quezon Province. This is an annual celebration to pay homage to San Isidro Labrador, the patron saint of farmers, for a bountiful harvest in town so it’s one of the 10 examples of religious festivals in the Philippines.

What is Bambanti festival all about?

Started in 1997, the festival pays tribute to all local farmers who persevere and are dedicated to planting rice and corn in sprawling green fields, earning a living for their families and providing food for the community.

What is the City of Smiles?

Bacolod
Bacolod is the capital city of the province of Negros Occidental in the Philippines. It is known as the City of Smiles because of its MassKara Festival, a Mardi Gras-like festival and a spectacularly vivid mix of dance, color and music.

When was the first Bacolod Mask Festival held?

The festival was first held on October 19, 1980 coinciding with Bacolod City’s Charter Day celebration with the intent of uplifting the spirits of the people and bringing back the smiles to their faces through the many masks.

How did the bacolaodiat Festival get its name?

Bacolaodiat was coined from “ Bacolod “ and “Lao Diat ”, the Fookien word for celebration. Those who have been to Bacolod would attest that Bacoleños have their own brand of celebration which is evident in the Masskara Festival and the same zest for celebration is brought to Bacolaodiat.

Why was the MassKara Festival created in Bacolod?

To lift the spirits of the locals and bring back the smiles on their faces, the MassKara Festival was created. The smiling masks were a declaration of the people of Bacolod City that they will pull through and survive the challenges and tragedies that they are facing.

Why do people wear colorful masks in Bacolod?

The colorful masks created by the local residents were supposedly a signature souvenir of the province and to get the attention of foreign visitors. Luckily, the idea was a hit and tourists started buying the masks as they were light and easy to bring around. Visitors can also wear them while touring the Bacolod tourist spots.