This Week’s Festivals: Oct. 1-7, 2017

Oct. 1 to 22

Masskara Festival

The locals of Bacolod City, also dubbed the “City of Smiles,” in Negros Oriental province come to the streets to form a sea of smiling masks and colorful costumes in a parade. The festival’s name is a portmanteau of “mass” and “cara,” which is Spanish for face or façade. This year’s festival theme is “Bacolod: City of Southeast Asia,” highlighting the city’s interaction with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations community.

Oct. 2

Dilaab Festival

The natural beauty of the town of Siquijor in Siquijor province is celebrated in the festival, as the locals also pay homage to its patron St. Francis of Assisi, known to be a lover of nature and animals. Siquijor was once known as “Isla de Fuego,” or the Island of Fire, for the island is lit by fireflies at night.

Oct. 2 to 5

Kariton Festival

The town of Tupi in South Cotabato province celebrates the role of “kariton,” a two-wheeled cart pulled by carabaos, in the life of the locals as well as in the development of the municipality. The festival opens with a parade of carabao-drawn kariton loaded and bedecked with vegetables, fruits and flowers.

—Compiled by Kathleen de Villa, Inquirer Research

Sources: Inquirer Archives, DOT, Historical Calendar (1521-1969), psa.gov.ph, coa.gov.ph, bacolodcity.gov.ph, pia.gov.ph, southcotabato.gov.ph