Bacolod City came alive with colorful costumes, energetic dance performances, and thousands of smiling faces as residents and tourists gathered for the 2026 MassKara Festival street dancing and arena competitions over the weekend.
Barangay Taculing emerged as grand champion of the barangay street dance and arena competition on Sunday, October 18, winning the P1-million top prize and P150,000 in special awards for Best in Theme and Concept, Best in Music, and Best in Introduction.
Taculing, Mandalagan Shine in Dance Showdown
Barangay Mandalagan placed first runner-up, receiving P500,000 and the P50,000 Best in Mask and Costume award. Barangay Handumanan finished second runner-up, winning P300,000 and the P80,000 Casino Choice Award. Barangay Bata was named Most Disciplined Contingent and received P50,000.
In the elementary division, Mandalagan Elementary School claimed the championship and P750,000, along with several special awards. Sum-ag Elementary School placed first runner-up, while Montevista Elementary School finished third.
Bacolod City National High School dominated the high school division, taking home the P750,000 grand prize and several special awards. Meanwhile, Barangay Alangilan won the barangay minidance showdown, while Mandalagan Elementary School and Bacolod City National High School topped the elementary and high school Merry Making competitions, respectively.
MassKara Draws 630,000 Revelers
The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) estimated that 630,000 revelers gathered at major festival venues on the final day. Authorities described the celebration as generally peaceful, citing police deployment, security monitoring, and crowd control measures.
The PRO-NIR concluded its security operations on Monday during an awarding ceremony at the Bacolod City Police Office covered court in Barangay Singcang-Airport.
Police regional director Brig. Gen. Rudecindo Reales commended police personnel, local government units, organizers, and volunteers for helping maintain peace and order.
Police Report Arrest During Festival
Police reported the arrest of a theft suspect on October 16 near San Sebastian Cathedral and the recovery of a stolen mobile phone.
Representatives of Bacolod City Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez and Mayor Greg Gasataya attended the closing ceremony, along with personnel from the military, coast guard, fire service, jail bureau, and local disaster response units.
