The vibrant spirit of Bacolod City will come alive again as the MassKara Festival 2025 officially runs from October 1 to 19, with the Highlight Weekend set October 17, 18, and 19.
The Bacolod Gugma Foundation Inc., in coordination with the Bacolod City government, announced the earlier festival dates to address long-standing concerns from vendors and small entrepreneurs who have faced challenges due to unpredictable weather during the latter part of October.
“This shift not only improves the festival experience for locals and tourists but also supports vendors and community entrepreneurs who rely on MassKara for their livelihood,” a press release from the foundation said Wednesday, July 30.
This year’s MassKara Festival will also shine a spotlight on inclusivity and representation, with events and activities that highlight the contributions of various sectors including the LGBTQ+ community, senior citizens, youth, and the vibrant artists’ community, among others, whose creativity and cultural expression continue to bring MassKara to life, the press release said.
Festival Director Rodney Ascalon emphasized the importance of expanding the celebration’s reach.
“MassKara has always been about unity in joy. This year, we are making a stronger effort to ensure that every sector is seen and celebrated”, he said.
After the Highlight Weekend, there will be no scheduled MassKara Festival activities from October 20 to 25.
The celebration will officially conclude with a first-of-its-kind Grand After-Party on October 26, featuring live entertainment, DJs, performances, and a festive community atmosphere.
The Bacolod Gugma Foundation Inc. also accepts the challenge set forth by Mayor Greg Gasataya and the Sangguniang Panlungsod to be more prudent in managing festival resources and to ensure that MassKara is felt meaningfully at the grassroots level, especially by those in the barangays and underserved communities, the press release said.
To build anticipation, the official launching of the MassKara 2025 logo and music video — which will also serve as a teaser and public invitation — will take place in September, it said.
Gasataya also announced the return of the Street and Arena Dance Competition among students, marking its comeback after a five-year hiatus, last held in 2019.
With nearly three weeks of parades, concerts, cultural shows, food fairs, and community-driven events, Bacolod City once again invites the nation and the world to take part in the Philippines’ most colorful and iconic festival, the foundation said.
The official and detailed schedule of MassKara Festival 2025 activities will be released soon by the Bacolod Gugma Foundation Inc., in partnership with the City Government.
Festivalgoers are encouraged to follow official channels for updates and announcements, the press release said.*