📖 About Bacolod

Bacolod, the capital of Negros Occidental province, is celebrated as the "City of Smiles" for its warm, welcoming people and vibrant MassKara Festival. The 46th MassKara Festival 2025 ran from October 1 to 19, with the highlight weekend drawing massive crowds. The festival kicked off with simultaneous concerts at the Government Center and Public Plaza, attracting more than 50,000 Bacolodnons dancing and celebrating together.

Now in its 46th year, the MassKara Festival—born in 1980 amid economic crisis and tragedy—continues as Bacolod's banner celebration of life, culture, and triumph over challenges. The 2025 theme "One Smile" highlighted every Bacolodnon smile reflecting joy that triumphs over challenges. The heart-shaped logo "Mass-Kasingkasing" by artist Romaine Salmingo incorporated the city's symbols including sugarcane and San Sebastian Cathedral.

Mayor Greg Gasataya led the grand launch emphasizing inclusivity: "a MassKara for All" ensuring sectoral groups—women, children, persons with disabilities, and the elderly—have space and visibility. Electric MassKara lit floats on October 17, school competitions on October 18, and the battle of barangays on October 19 capped the festivities. A three-night giant street party on Lacson Street featured live bands and Bacolod's famous food.

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💼 Economy & Culture

Bacolod's economy has diversified beyond its sugar industry roots. Business process outsourcing (BPO), retail, real estate, and tourism now drive growth alongside agriculture. The city serves as the commercial hub of Western Visayas, with modern malls, restaurants, and hotels. The sugar industry heritage remains visible in haciendas and the annual Kansilay Festival celebrating agricultural traditions.

Bacolod culture embodies the Ilonggo spirit—friendly, artistic, and resilient. The MassKara mask symbolizes smiling through adversity. Cuisine defines identity: chicken inasal, piaya flatbread, and napoleones pastries are local treasures alongside batchoy. The arts scene includes the Negrense Volunteers for Change gallery and vibrant local music. The warmth of "Bacolodnon" hospitality has earned the city its nickname as the City of Smiles.

📜 History

Bacolod was founded as a small settlement in the 1770s, growing with the sugar industry boom of the 19th century. Spanish colonial influences shaped the city's architecture and Catholic traditions. The sugar haciendas created a landed elite whose grand mansions, like The Ruins in Talisay, became symbols of Negros prosperity. American colonial period modernized infrastructure and education.

The MassKara Festival was born in 1980 during crisis—the sugar industry had crashed and an inter-island ferry sank killing thousands of Negrenses. Artist Ely Santiago designed smiling masks as symbols of resilience. What started as a response to tragedy became Bacolod's defining celebration. Today's MassKara draws hundreds of thousands of visitors, proving that the City of Smiles truly smiles through every challenge.