Bacold City is the most populated city in the Western Visayas region and the capital of the province of Negros Occidental. Affectionately nicknamed the City of Smiles, this friendly city is a major seaport that serves as the entryway into the sugar-rich cities and towns of the Negros.
Bacolod has a healthy local economy and opportunities for trade and investments because it is home to a high percentage of the country’s top corporations. Bacolod City is the Business Process Outsourcing hub of the Western Visayas region.
Bacolod City is known for the MassKara Festival, which has been held every third weekend of October for almost three decades, making it an important part of the culture. What once was just an additional part of an otherwise routine city parade, MassKara is now so famous that the festival has represented the Philippines in other major festivals in Asia. The festival started is highlighted with the famous MassKara street dance competition, where people from all walks of life take to the streets to see colorful masked dancers move to the infectious rhythm of the Latin-inspired music of the region. The smiling masks are a perfect representation of the City of Smiles, as is the display of the music, people, and cuisine of this vibrant city. This colorful festival display of culture and a sea of colorful faces is one that should be experienced at least once in a lifetime. The history of Bacold City is a rich and interesting one, and much of it can be seen in the city's many museums such as the
Balay Negrense Museum and the
Bacolod Ruins.
There’s much more to see and learn about Bacolod City, and the interactive map on this page is a great way to continue exploring all the important landmarks and attractions of this vibrant city.
