Big smiles return to Bacolod City

It's all systems go for one of the country's most exciting

dance festivals, the Masskara 2000 in Bacolod, the City

of Smiles.

Prior to the grand opening on Oct. 5, a series of activities will

jumpstart the week-long celebration. This includes the

opening of the agro-industrial fair at the Reclamation Area on

Oct. 1. The area, right at the city’s downtown center, will be

transformed into a one-of-a-kind party arena where various

kiosks of the city’s products, nightly street parties and

concerts will take place.

Once again, masked dancers dressed in colorful costumes will

be gyrating along the city’s major avenues under

heart-pounding and exhilarating music that will surely make

everyone join in the merry-making afterward.

For the first time, the City Government of Bacolod is handling

the activities of the festival, with the support of private

agencies and the different barangays, to ensure a grander

celebration.

Festival director Councilor Roberto “Bobby” Rojas said they

are counting on the participation of the barangays which will be the benchmark for a

successful Masskara celebration.

This year’s theme is “Pag-uswag sa Milenyo” (Progress for the New Millennium).

Organizers said it is in keeping with the call for growth and development, of starting

anew for the next millennium, of rising above and surmounting all challenges which are

an allusion to every Bacoleño’s dreams and aspirations.

It was 20 years ago when Bacolod first celebrated the Masskara Festival. At that

time, the city was suffering from an economic crisis brought about by the decline in

the sugar industry. It was also about the same time when the sinking of Don Juan, a

Negros Navigation vessel, brought gloom to the province as families of thousands of

victims grieved the loss of their loved ones.

Wanting to persevere despite all the uncertainties that came their way, the Bacoleños

then conceptualized the festival – with dancers swaying to the captivating beat of

music but wearing smiling masks to conceal their anxiety and fear.

Since then, exciting stories about the festival has spread like wildfire, reaching places

around the country and the world, and enticing curious individuals. To this day,

thousands of tourists have already come to witness the event.

Aside from the Masskara street dance contest, other highlights of this year’s festival

include the search for Ms. Bacolod-Masskara, motocross and kart racing, sports

championships, concerts, cultural presentations and fashions shows, street parties,

rodeo rides and many more.