BACOLOD City — The final three days of the MassKara Festival 2025 begin today, October 17, marking the much-awaited highlights of the city’s world-famous celebration of culture, creativity, and community spirit.
The festivities will open with the Electric MassKara Float Parade, which will start at 6 p.m. from The Upper East Megaworld, pass through the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC), and return to Megaworld, where the lighted floats will remain on display.
This year’s floats are inspired by the theme “One Smile. One City. One Heart.”, said Christine Mereria, chairperson of the Electric MassKara.
Each float represents a distinct facet of Bacolod’s identity. “One Smile” pays tribute to the city’s colorful festivals such as Bacolodiat, the Bacolod Film Festival, Inasal Festival, and Rum Festival. “One City” highlights Bacolod’s iconic landmarks, including the San Sebastian Cathedral, Public Plaza, and Yulo’s Park. “One Heart” showcases Bacolod’s vibrant culinary culture with floats themed around cansi, cakes, seafood, and beloved pasalubong treats like piaya and napoleones.
Following the float parade, the celebration continues at the BCGC Stage with the MassKara Dance Off Competition at 7 p.m., featuring high-energy performances from local dance crews in a dynamic display of rhythm and artistry.
Twelve barangays will compete in the Electric MassKara competition: Cabug, Granada, Mansilingan, 2, 5, 8, 12, 17, 19, 32, 33, and 34.
Adding to the excitement is the return of the much-loved Lacson Tourism Strip street party, dubbed Heartonic, which runs from October 17 to 19. The Bacolod Gugma Foundation, Inc. (BGFI), organizer of this year’s festival, expects a daily crowd of over 100,000 visitors.
The three-day street party will feature five entertainment stages, hundreds of performers and guest artists, food stalls, brand activations, local delicacies, and pop-up shops — transforming Lacson Street into the ultimate festival destination.
Mark Garcia, site director of the Lacson Tourism Strip, reminded revelers to observe safety and follow the evacuation plan in case of emergencies.
Each of the five stage clusters has its own designated evacuation point:
* Stage 1 (Ramos Area): B.S. Aquino Drive (Chowking or Caltex)
* Stage 2 (BPI Area): 17th Street (Exit at Aguinaldo St. or San Agustin Drive)
* Stage 3 (Mayfair Area): 12th and 13th Streets
* Stage 4 (VSB Area): 7th Street
* Stage 5 (North Capitol Area): Aguinaldo Street
Revelers are also advised to follow instructions from uniformed marshals or the Public Safety Command Post (PSCP) at all times.
To ensure public safety, the Inter-Agency Committee of BGFI has coordinated closely with the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), local government units, and volunteer force multipliers. Security personnel and emergency responders will be deployed across all major festival sites to maintain order and provide assistance throughout the highlights weekend./PN
