BACOLOD City – The Bacolod City Government and the Bacolod Gugma Foundation Inc. (BGFI) have officially begun preparations for the MassKara Festival 2026, with festivities scheduled from October 1 to 18.
Mayor Greg Gasataya announced that this year’s festival aims to once again highlight the world-renowned smiles, creativity, and resilience of Bacolodnons.
“Save the dates! MassKara Festival 2026 is set to spread Bacolod’s world-renowned smiles from October 1 to 18,” Gasataya said.
The mayor said he has already met with BGFI officials to discuss plans and preparations for the annual celebration.
Under the proposed schedule, pre-MassKara activities will run throughout the festival period, while major highlights such as the Streetdance and Arena Competition and the Electric MassKara Festival are slated from October 9 to 18.
The closing and awarding ceremonies are scheduled for October 25.
According to BGFI, preparations are already underway months ahead of the “ber” months to ensure smoother programming and stronger coordination for one of the country’s biggest festivals.
Based on the proposed framework calendar, October 1 to 8 will feature pre-pageant activities, mall events, art-centered programs, and other preliminary activities leading up to the main festivities.
The opening week will also include the MassKaralympics, a multi-sport event aimed at encouraging participation from various sectors in the city.
Festival organizers said major events and sectoral activities will officially begin on October 9 to avoid schedule overlaps and maximize audience engagement.
BGFI Festival Director Rodney Mitz Ascalon said early preparations are part of the organizers’ commitment to delivering a more organized and immersive festival experience for both residents and tourists.
“We are preparing early because we want to ensure that this year’s MassKara Festival will be bigger, more meaningful, and more inclusive for everyone,” Ascalon said.
He added that organizers remain committed to preserving the spirit of joy, resilience, and unity that the MassKara Festival represents.
With several months remaining before October, preparations are underway for what is expected to be another vibrant and memorable celebration in the City of Smiles./PN
