Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez has vowed to elevate the MassKara Festival to new heights as the city celebrates its 45th year of the iconic festivity. Dubbed the “Sapphire Edition,” this year’s MassKara promises to be bigger, bolder, and more international.
“We are starting to bring in international entertainment. We are creating awareness in the international communities,” Benitez said during the festival’s launch on Saturday. The mayor aims to transform MassKara into a sought-after global event.
The festival will kick off with a “salubong” on October 11 and culminate with the much-awaited street and arena dance competition on October 27. The city government has allocated PHP11 million for the event, including support for participating villages.
To accommodate the expected influx of visitors, at least four festival sites have been confirmed, including the Bacolod City Government Center, Bacolod Public Plaza, Lacson Tourism Strip, and Megaworld’s The Upper East.
The Bacolod Yuhum Foundation Inc. has unveiled a new festival logo, emphasizing sustainable development. Other highlights include the MassKaralympics, MassKaNamit cookfest, Miss Bacolod MassKara, Lacson MassKara, MassKarade Ball, and Electric MassKara.
The city also honored key figures who contributed to the festival’s success, including its founder, the late Mayor Jose Montalvo, and co-founder artist Ely Santiago.
