BACOLOD CITY – The Bacolod Yuhum Foundation Inc. (BYFI) has announced that only seven barangays will participate in the upcoming 2024 MassKara Festival street and arena competitions next month.
Marking its 45th anniversary, MassKara festivities will take place from October 12 to 27, with the main events scheduled to align with City Ordinance No. 33, which mandates the festival’s celebration on the fourth Sunday of October.
Kuster Cadagat, the festival director for Cultural and Accredited Events at BYFI, confirmed the qualified barangays as Granada, 21, 35, 6, 12, Bata, and 18.
Notably, Barangay Granada is aiming for a grand slam victory, having won the championship for the past two years.
Several barangays were excluded from participation due to non-compliance with the city’s financial liquidation requirements.
Last year, each of the 10 participating barangays received a subsidy of P700,000 from the local government, a financial support that will continue this year for the seven competing contingents.
The arena competition is set to be held at Paglaum Sports Complex on October 27.
Additionally, an electric float parade and the Elektroika Diva competition will feature 10 barangays competing on October 26, including Barangays 19, 5, 17, 39, 29, 10, Pahanocoy, 8, 36, and 11, each receiving a P300,000 subsidy.
The parade will commence from the Upper East-Megaworld and conclude at the Bacolod City Government Center.
According to Cadagat, preparations for the festival are approximately 80 percent complete.
This year’s theme, “Sapphire Celebration”, promises a host of activities and events, celebrating the rich culture and spirited community of Bacolod City./PN
