BACOLOD City – The Bacolod Gugma Foundation Inc. (BGFI), the official organizer of this year’s MassKara Festival, has announced that the festival highlights for 2025 will take place on the third Sunday of October.
This decision marks a shift from the schedule previously set by Republic Act No. 11146, which designates the fourth Sunday of October as the official highlight of the MassKara Festival, in relation to Bacolod City Charter Day (June 18). However, in April this year, the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) approved on third and final reading an amendment to City Ordinance No. 09-17-820 — originally enacted in 2017 — which now sets the third Sunday of October as the permanent date for the MassKara highlights.
Following the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the city government and BGFI — ratified by the SP on July 30 — the festival will officially run from October 1 to 19, with the highlight weekend set for October 17 to 19.
In a press statement, BGFI explained that the change in schedule was made in coordination with the city government to address recurring concerns raised by vendors and small-scale entrepreneurs. These groups have previously struggled with the unpredictability of weather conditions in late October, which often affected their earnings.
“This shift not only improves the festival experience for locals and tourists but also supports vendors and community entrepreneurs who rely on MassKara for their livelihood,” the Foundation stated.
This year’s MassKara Festival also promises to be more inclusive, with events spotlighting diverse sectors of society, including the LGBTQ+ community, senior citizens, the youth, and the vibrant artists’ community.
“MassKara has always been about unity in joy. This year, we are making a stronger effort to ensure that every sector is seen and celebrated,” said Festival Director Rodney Ascalon.
After the highlight weekend, no official festival activities are scheduled from October 20 to 25. However, the celebration will conclude with a first-of-its-kind Grand After-Party on October 26, featuring live entertainment, DJs, performances, and a festive community atmosphere.
In line with calls from Mayor Greg Gasataya and the City Council, BGFI also committed to more prudent resource management and ensuring that the spirit of the festival reaches even the grassroots level, particularly the barangays and underserved communities.
To build anticipation, the official launch of the MassKara 2025 logo and music video — serving as a teaser and public invitation — is scheduled for September 2025.
Mayor Gasataya also recently confirmed the return of the street and arena dance competition among students, marking its comeback after a five-year hiatus since it was last held in 2019.
With nearly three weeks of parades, concerts, cultural shows, food fairs, and community-driven activities, Bacolod City once again invites the nation and the world to experience the country’s most iconic and colorful festival.
The full and official schedule of MassKara Festival 2025 events will be released soon. Festival-goers are encouraged to follow BGFI’s official channels for updates and announcements./PN
