The MassKara Festival dancers from Bacolod City will perform in the 2026 Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade in Hong Kong on Tuesday, February 17.

About 40 dancers from Barangay Tangub are representing Bacolod at MassKara’s second appearance as an international performing group at the annual cultural showcase, following an invitation from the Hong Kong Tourism Board.

In 2024, the street dance champions from Barangay Granada performed in the same event.

“Preparations and rehearsals are ongoing after the delegation’s arrival on Sunday,” city tourism officer Teresa Manalili said in a statement yesterday.

The night parade, which starts at 8:00 p.m. in Tsim Sha Tsui, will usher in the Year of the Fire Horse, which symbolizes strength, success and positive momentum in traditional Chinese culture.

Manalili, who heads the Bacolod delegation, said the Hong Kong Tourism Board shouldered the delegation’s travel and accommodation expenses, while the city government covered the logistical support and the dancers’ allowance.

According to the Hong Kong Tourism Board, this year’s Chinese New Year Parade route will be adorned with colorful lights and lanterns, featuring exciting performances by local and international troupes for a dynamic start to the celebrations.

“At the parade, the MassKara dancers will dazzle the streets in colorful masks and feathered costumes, moving to infectious rhythms. Each step and smile spreads Bacolod’s spirit of happiness, thanksgiving and cultural pride,” it said.

MassKara Festival’s name combines “mass” (many) and the Spanish “kara” (face), meaning “many faces of people reflecting the iconic smiling masks and the joyful, resilient spirit of Bacolodnons.” (PNA)