The massive crowd at the Bacolod City Government Center grounds Wednesday night.*BCCO photo
The 46th MassKara Festival kicked off its grand opening with a massive crowd of over 50,000 people Wednesday night, October 1, at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) grounds and the Bacolod City Public Plaza.
Bacolod police director Col. Joeresty Coronica said an estimated 50,000 people gathered at the BCGC grounds, with an additional 1,500 enjoying the festivities at the Public Plaza.
The celebration featured performances by several popular acts. Silent Sanctuary and Elias J TV Band entertained the enormous crowd at the BCGC grounds, while the Repakol Band performed for the audience at the Public Plaza.
Adding star power to the kickoff were singer-actress Ara Mina and dancer-actor Paul Salas, who performed at both venues.
Fireworks also lit up the skies over both venues to officially mark the start of the 19-day MassKara celebration with the theme “One Smile, One City, One Heart.”
At the start of the festivities, Bacolod Mayor Greg Gasstaya asked the crowd to stand for a moment of silence to offer prayers for the victims of the recent earthquake that struck Cebu.
Festival Director Rodney Mitz Ascalon described the opening as a powerful symbol of Bacolod’s spirit of resilience and unity.*