BACOLOD CITY – An estimated 45,000 individuals gathered at the Bacolod City Government Center on Friday night, October 11, to witness the grand countdown that officially opened this year’s MassKara Festival here.
Mayor Albee Benitez led the opening of this year’s Sapphire edition of the MassKara Festival with dazzling performances from the MassKara dancers and Elektrika Divas.
BACOLOD City Mayor Albee Benitez and Bacolod Rep. Greg Gasataya (seventh and sixth from right, respectively) lead the ceremonial grand countdown of the 45th MassKara Festival along with city and Bacolod Yuhum Foundation (BYF) officials at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) on Friday, October 11. (Photo courtesy of Bacolod PIO)
In his message, Benitez said that this year’s MassKara Festival is one of the most exciting editions over the past three years. “This is not just one weekend, as we have three weeks to enjoy this celebration with lots of activities and surprises,” the mayor said.
Benitez said that MassKara Festival was the very first grand festival right after the pandemic in 2022. “Since then, the festival became the choice of festival to go to in the Philippines,” he added.
He invited people to visit this city and enjoy the vibrant and colorful MassKara Festival which is now on its 45th year.
Bacolod Rep. Greg Gasataya welcomed residents and visitors to the festival. “Let us give all our efforts because we know this festival is a big help to the city in terms of the economy and entertainment,” he said.
Popular pop-rock band December Avenue serenaded the jampacked crowd, setting the tone for the annual celebration.
Police Col. Joeresty Coronica, Bacolod police director, said that this year’s festival had a bigger crowd due to the expanded festival site that included the newly opened carnival at the BCGC area. No untoward incident was reported during the opening.
“We hope this month-long event will end peacefully and successfully,” Coronica said, as he asked people to cooperate and be vigilant while enjoying the festival.