About this tour
MassKara Festival, held every October in Bacolod City (Negros Occidental), is called the "Festival of Smiles" — a defiant celebration of joy born in 1980 from a year of tragedy (a sugar industry crisis and a shipping disaster). Every dancer wears a smiling ornate golden mask. The street parties and competitions on Lacson Street over the entire third and fourth weeks of October are the most joyful celebration in the Philippines.
Bacolod is also famous for chicken inasal — the best in the country. The original Mang Inasal was founded here. The Ruins of Talisay (a burned-out Italian Renaissance mansion, burned by the owner during WWII to prevent Japanese use) are 15km from the city and worth the detour.
Highlights
- ✓MassKara street dancing competition with golden masks
- ✓Non-stop street parties on Lacson Street
- ✓The original chicken inasal in its home city
- ✓The Ruins of Talisay — "Taj Mahal of the Philippines"
- ✓Sugar plantation and muscovado production visit
What's included
- ✓Transport from Iloilo (via ferry)
- ✓Hotel
- ✓Festival guide
- ✓Chicken inasal dinner
Frequently asked questions
When is the MassKara Festival?
October, specifically the third and fourth weekends. The main competition is the third Saturday.
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