THE Bacolod City Government will officially open the 46th MassKara Festival on October 1 and it will end on October 19, 2025.
The Bacolod Gugma Foundation Inc., the overall organizer of the 2025 MassKara Festival, in coordination with the City Government of Bacolod, announced on Wednesday afternoon, July 30, that the highlights of the festival are set on October 17, 18, and 19,
They announced the earlier festival dates to address long-standing concerns from vendors and small entrepreneurs who have faced challenges due to unpredictable weather during the latter part of October.
“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,” said Rodney Ascalon, festival director.
He said this year’s MassKara Festival will also shine a spotlight on inclusivity and representation, with events and activities that highlight the contributions of various sectors, including the LGBTQ+ community, senior citizens, youth, and the vibrant artists’ community, among others, whose creativity and cultural expression continue to bring MassKara to life.
Ascalon emphasized the importance of expanding the celebration’s reach.
“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,” Ascalon said.
The foundation will announce the launching of the MassKara 2025 logo and music video in September 2025.
The Bacolod Gugma Foundation Inc. also accepted the challenge set forth by Mayor Greg Gasataya and the City Council to be more prudent in managing festival resources and to ensure that MassKara is felt meaningfully at the grassroots level, especially by those in the barangays and underserved communities.
Gasataya earlier announced the return of the Street and Arena Dance Competition among students, marking its comeback after a five-year hiatus, last held in 2019.
With nearly three weeks of parades, concerts, cultural shows, food fairs, and community-driven events, the City Government once again invites the nation and the world to take part in the Philippines’ most colorful and iconic festival.
The official and detailed schedule of MassKara Festival 2025 activities will be released soon by the Bacolod Gugma Foundation Inc., in partnership with the City Government, and they encouraged the festivalgoers to follow official channels for updates and announcements. (MAP)