BACOLOD City — Eleven school contingents and eight barangay participants will bring the streets of Bacolod City alive with colorful performances, rhythmic beats and cultural pride as the MassKara Festival 2026 streetdance and arena competition takes center stage this weekend.
The school category will compete this Saturday, October 17, while the barangay category will follow on Sunday, October 18, marking the festival’s grand finale under the theme “Share the Smile. Celebrate Gugma.”
Mayor Greg Gasataya invited residents and visitors to witness the much-awaited spectacle, emphasizing that MassKara represents more than entertainment and competition, reflecting the resilience, unity and love that bind Bacolodnons together.
The participating school contingents are Education and Training Center School I, Montevista Elementary School, Vista Alegre-Granada Relocation Elementary School, Mandalagan Elementary School, Handumanan Elementary School, Sum-ag Elementary School, Vista Alegre Elementary School, Abkasa National High School, Progreso Village National High School, Bacolod City National High School and Jovito H. Sayson National High School.
Competing in the barangay category are Barangays 6, 10, 13, Bata, Alangilan, Handumanan, Mandalagan and Taculing.
The streetdance parade will start at 1 p.m., with contingents traversing Hernaez, Araneta and Luzuriaga streets before proceeding to the parking area of SM City Bacolod. The arena competition will follow at 2 p.m. along Rizal Street in the SM City Bacolod area, while the awarding ceremony is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the Bacolod Public Plaza.
Gasataya said the smiles of Bacolodnons symbolize not only happiness but also their courage, hope and determination to overcome life’s challenges together.
“At the heart of the celebration is ‘gugma,’ or love, which strengthens families, friendships and communities despite differences and difficulties,” the mayor added.
Meanwhile, the cash prizes for this year’s street dance and arena competition will remain at last year’s levels, according to festival director Rodney Mitz Ascalon.
Ascalon, president of the Bacolod Gugma Foundation Inc. (BGFI), said the champion in the barangay category will receive P1 million, while the winning school will take home P750,000.
In the barangay category, the first runner-up will receive P500,000 and the second runner-up P300,000.
For the school category, the first runner-up will receive P300,000, while the second runner-up will get P200,000.
Beyond the performances, the festival provides opportunities for local businesses, supports community livelihoods and allows Bacolodnons to showcase their creativity and cultural heritage.
The Bacolod Traffic and Transport Management Department will implement traffic rerouting on October 17 and 18 to ensure public safety. Motorists are advised to plan their trips, take alternative routes and follow traffic enforcers’ instructions as temporary road closures and congestion are expected in affected areas./PN
