......One of the best
Philippine Festivals
Masskara Festival (14-21
October)
|
 |
|
Bacolod will turn up a sea of faces flashing
blinding smiles, true to the heart of “masskara”--coined
from “mass,” or crowd, and the Spanish “cara” for
face. The two combined form the local word for
“mask.”
Instigated in 1980, the Masskara festival was
conceived to lend gaiety to Bacolod City’s Charter
Day, celebrated every 19th of October. In that year,
tragedy came to Don Juan, a vessel carrying members
of even the affluent Negrense families, and the
sugar mills were in a slump.
The festival was a testament to the stoic nature of
the Negrenses, illustrating their cheerful spirit
that sees them through downturns, in economy and
otherwise. It is also a reminder that no matter how
bad the tide turns, Bacolod should not cower in
defeat. Thus, a smiling mask has always been used to
symbolize the festival.
The town plaza gets deluged by people from all over
the Visayas wanting to join in on the Bacoleños’
distinctive festivities. Singing and dancing are
staples, and so are the pole-climbing and
pig-catching competitions. Just a few of the
must-experience competitions are mask-making,
coconut milk-drinking, and disco dancing. |
Panaad festival in Bacolod City
(Month of April)
What Masskara is to Bacolod, Panaad is to the
whole of Negros Occidental. Panaad, dubbed as the mother
of all festivals and now on its 11th year of
celebration, does not only showcase mask-bearing
revelers of Bacolod, but also gaily-clad merrymakers
from the many towns and cities of Negros as well as the
best of their culture, arts, and world-class products
like food, fruits, furniture, baskets and more.
Babaylan
Festival (February 19)
 |
|
The
Babaylan Festival, held during the city's charter
anniversary celebration, was conceived to highlight
a unique brand of Filipino heritage, one that dates
back to the pre-Spanish period. This unique festival
aims to rediscover the region’s indigenous music,
literature, dances, rituals and other artistic
endeavors. It explores the Babaylan folktales and
other artistic endeavors of the early Bagonhons.
|
Of all figures in the
history of Negros Island, the Babaylan is the most
colorful and enduring. The Babaylan is a doctor,
herbalist, artist, medium, adviser, agriculturist and
more, all rolled in one very interesting character. He
is the keeper of rituals and spirit agents in normal
world. He inspires awe and fear which is the reason it
is given much reverence in this festival.
Pinta
Flores Festival San Carlos City (3-5 November)
This city in
the sugar-producing island of Negros Occidental honors
its patron saint, San Carlos Borromeo, with a pageant
where participants with floral painted bodies dance in
rhythmic beat as they wind through the major streets.
The festival is inspired by the tattooed Negrenses of
pre colonial times.
Mudpack Festival Murcia, Negros Occidental (24 June)
 |
|
Oneness with nature is the underlying theme behind
Murcia’s annual mud-moving spectacle. Check on its
murky highlight – a lively street dancing parade
with the participant wearing nothing but mudpacks.
It’s a surefire way to mix ecological concerns with
good, clean, cloddy fun - just be sure to shower
afterwards. |
|
