Bacolod City in the Philippines is gearing up for the return of the Bacolaodiat Festival, a celebration of the Lunar New Year, from January 20 to 22, after a two-year pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s festival will be held at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) grounds and the adjacent The Upper East township of Megaworld Corp. in the eastern part of the city. The Bacolaodiat Festival, which is held on the first new moon of the year according to the Chinese calendar, is a celebration of the harmonious merging and co-existence of Chinese and Filipino cultures.
Festival highlights
The festival features cultural performances, lantern dance parades, dragon and lion dances, Chinese food festivals, fireworks displays, zodiac sign parades, and live bands. One popular aspect of the Bacolaodiat Festival is the Chopsticks Alley, a food walk and night market that offers Chinese culinary delights and Filipino street food favorites. This year, the Chopsticks Alley will be set up at The Upper East during the three-day festival.
In previous years, the Bacolaodiat Festival has been held in various locations throughout Bacolod City, including the BCGC grounds and the Lacson Strip. The festival typically attracts large crowds of revelers, who come to enjoy the various cultural performances, food and drink, and other festivities.
One of the highlights of the Bacolaodiat Festival is the lantern dance parade, in which performers carry colorful lanterns and dance through the streets. This event is particularly popular with tourists and locals alike, as it provides a unique blend of Chinese and Filipino cultural traditions.
Other popular events at the Bacolaodiat Festival include dragon and lion dances, Chinese food festivals, fireworks displays, and live music performances. The festival also features a zodiac sign parade, in which participants dress up as their respective zodiac animals and march through the streets.
In addition to the main events, the Bacolaodiat Festival also includes a number of smaller activities, such as craft stalls, games, and other entertainment options. This year, the popular Chopsticks Alley food walk and night market will also be held at The Upper East, offering a wide variety of Chinese and Filipino culinary delights.
In partnership with Megaworld Corp., Bacolaodiat Inc. is also working with the city government and SM City Bacolod. On the final day of the festival, January 22, SM City Bacolod will host the awarding rites and a repeat performance by the winners of the lantern street dance competition.
Now in its 18th year, the Bacolaodiat Festival derives its name from the words “Baco,” for Bacolod, and “Lao Diat,” a Fookien word for celebration. This year’s festival is particularly significant, as it marks the Year of the Rabbit in the Chinese zodiac, a symbol of hope and life. Overall, the Bacolaodiat Festival is a lively and exciting celebration that brings together people from all walks of life to enjoy the rich cultural traditions of Bacolod City.
