The Bacolod Yuhum Foundation (BYF) has granted all kiosk operators to set up their stalls ahead of the highly-anticipated 45th MassKara Festival this month.

“Allowing early ingress for our kiosk operators so that they can provide excellent service and take full advantage of the festival’s business opportunities and maximize their income during MassKara,” Kuster Cadagat, BYF secretary and festival director for cultural and accredited events, said yesterday.

The decision aims to ensure smooth business operations and fair income opportunities for vendors throughout the festival.

Kiosk owners will be allowed to begin setting up at their designated locations starting Wednesday, October 9.

Those at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) can begin to ingress at 8:00 p.m., while those assigned at the Bacolod Public Plaza can start at 5:00 p.m.

Kiosks at the BCGC will officially open on Friday, October 11, while plaza kiosks can start operating on Saturday, October 12.

Meanwhile, kiosk operators at MegaWorld can start ingress on October 20, in line with their opening on October 23, while kiosks at Lacson Street can ingress beginning October 22 and operations will start on October 25.

The 45th MassKara Festival will kick off with a Grand Countdown Salubong at the BCGC on Friday night.

Signaling the start of the month-long festivities is a fireworks display at midnight, followed by performances from several local bands, which will set the stage for a celebration of heritage, culture, entertainment, and Bacolodnon spirit.

The MassKara Festival, considered one of the most colorful festivals in the country, will showcase dancers in carnival-inspired costumes and masks on the city streets./WDJ