Masskara Festival is known for its vibrant, fun, and energetic all-day street parties, but what not a lot of people realize is that it’s actually a festival that even kids can enjoy! Are you heading there soon? Here are 5 things to note before heading to the festival.
1.) Book your Flights and Hotels in Advance
Flights and hotels are easily fully-booked during the Masskara Festival. Make sure to plan ahead and book your trip in advance to avoid jacked-up prices and to get the best-possible deals!
2.) Bring Water
Masskara is all about enjoying the street parties, so bring some water with you as you and your family will be doing a lot of walking all weekend long. You’ll be doing everyone a favor by bringing your own reusable bottle, so that plastic waste is reduced during the festival.
3.) Pack an Umbrella
Rain or shine, Masskara Festival is always fun. So make sure to bring your umbrella with you so you can enjoy the festival whatever the weather.
4.) Wear Sunscreen
Doing a lot of walking means staying under the sun all day. While tents are usually put up along Lacson street, being under the scorching sun is inevitable. Be sure to pack some reliable sunscreen to protect you and your family!
5.) Enjoy!
The hospitality, friendliness, and warmth of the residents of Bacolod are infectious. Enjoy the City of Smiles for all it has to offer, and you’re bound to head back home with a big smile on your face.
The Masskara Festival started in 1980, and was created to uplift the spirit of the locals. At the time, crisis and tragedy struck the town with declining sugar prices and a tragic ferry accident that took the lives of many Negrenses.
The smiling masks you see during the festival aim to show Bacolod’s resilience in times of challenges and tragedies, ultimately making Bacolod known as the “City of Smiles.”
Now, years later, people from all over the country still flock to Bacolod to celebrate the annual Masskara Festival. While street parties are mostly for adults, there are fun things your little one’s can enjoy during a trip to the town, too.
Enjoy the Food!
Bacolod is known for its famous Chicken Inasal, but there’s a lot more to the town than the native dish. During the festival, numerous brands join the Masskara Festival Food Fair, where you can enjoy meals and desserts from around town.
Throughout the weekend, Visit the Manokan Country for some classic Chicken Inasal, have a bowl of Batchoy from Bacolod’s classic 21 Restaurant, enjoy some delicacies from Bong Bong’s, try Bob’s famous Sate Babe, grab some cake at Calea, and eat some delicious Kansi from KSL among many other food gems you’ll find in the city.
Watch the Float Parade
Check out the Float Parade, where your little one will definitely enjoy seeing cars and giant floats wearing the most beautifully-crafted masks. These floats are often decorated with flowers, vibrant sequins, and sometimes, even recyclable materials. It’s a worthwhile experience you shouldn’t miss out on.
Take a Day Trip to Lakawon Island
If your little one loves playing in the sand and swimming in the sea, a day trip to Lakawon Island should definitely be on your itinerary. A quick 1-hour drive from Bacolod City, Lakawon is a top tourist attraction that both locals and tourists enjoy visiting.
Take in the Sights
While wandering the weekend-long street parties can be quite an adventure for the entire family, taking in the sights that the town has to offer is something you shouldn’t miss. A quick trip to the nearby town of Talisay brings you to The Ruins, which is pegged as the Taj Mahal of the Philippines. You can also teach your little ones a thing or two about Negros’ history by visiting the Negros Museum in Bacolod, and Balay Negrense in Silay City.
