It is notable for itslMasskara Festival held during the third week of October and is known for being a relatively friendly city, as it bears the nickname "The City of Smiles".
Bacolod really lives up to its "City of Smiles" nickname. Not just because of their very colorful MassKara festival, either. Folks there generally seem to have a more positive outlook. But what some people don't realize, is that the MassKara festival actually started as a way to lift spirits after a rough period for the community a few decades back. It was meant as a distraction from all the hard times they were dealing with.