BACOLOD City— The Bacolod Chicken Inasal Festival (BCIF) officially opened today, May 29, at the temporary Manokan Country site in SM City Bacolod, ushering in a three-day celebration honoring the city’s world-famous chicken inasal and rich cultural heritage.
The festival, which runs until May 31, carries this year’s theme, “Inasal City,” highlighting Bacolod’s identity as the home of the iconic grilled chicken dish known for its smoky flavor and distinct blend of spices.
Residents, tourists, local officials, and food enthusiasts gathered during the opening ceremony at 11 a.m. as the city launched one of its biggest culinary and cultural events of the year.
Mayor Greg Gasataya invited the public to take part in the annual celebration, which showcases Bacolod’s culinary pride and vibrant community spirit.
One of the festival’s major highlights will be the Grand Chicken Inasal Parade and Arena Dance Competition on May 30 at The Upper East-Megaworld, starting at 4 p.m.
This year’s celebration takes on an international flavor as seven barangays compete in the Arena Dance Competition inspired by the diverse cultures of Southeast Asia.
Participating barangays will represent different ASEAN countries through music, costumes, and choreography. Barangay 12 will showcase Malaysia; Barangay 3 will represent Singapore; Barangay Sum-ag will interpret Cambodia; Barangay Granada will feature Timor-Leste; Barangay Estefania will highlight Brunei; Barangay 2 will perform Myanmar-inspired routines; while Barangay Tangub will represent Thailand.
Festival organizers said the ASEAN-inspired performances aim to blend Bacolod’s vibrant street dance tradition with the rich cultural heritage of neighboring Southeast Asian nations.
Councilor Celia Flor, chairperson of the Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Markets, said the festival will also spotlight Bacolod’s well-known chicken inasal establishments, which partnered with participating barangays for the Float Parade and Street Dance Competition.
Among the featured local brands are Aida’s, Nena’s Rose, Nena’s Beth, JT’s Manukan, Ribshack, Chicken House, and MassKara Chicken — all recognized as culinary icons that helped establish Bacolod’s reputation as the country’s chicken inasal capital.
Colorful floats and lively street performances are expected to celebrate not only Bacolod’s culinary legacy but also the city’s strong sense of community.
The festivities will culminate on May 31 with the Chicken Inasal Cook-off at Ayala Malls Capitol Central, where participating chefs and food enthusiasts will present their own versions of the beloved grilled chicken dish.
City officials said the annual celebration is held under City Ordinance No. 847, which amended City Ordinance No. 482, officially renaming the event from the Manokan Country Inasal Festival to the Bacolod Chicken Inasal Festival and institutionalizing its yearly observance every May.
For many Bacolodnons, the festival is more than just a food event — it is a celebration of culture, identity, and the city’s continuing pride in the dish that made Bacolod famous nationwide and beyond./PN
