BACOLOD City — The grounds of the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) are fully prepared for the 21st Bacolaodiat Festival, which opened yesterday, February 20, and will run until Sunday, February 22.
The annual celebration marks the Lunar New Year and ushers in the Year of the Fire Horse, with organizers mounting a three-day lineup of cultural showcases, food fairs, and nightly entertainment.
Festivities on Day 1 began with an opening ceremony at 4 p.m., followed by the unveiling of the Imperial Village, where visitors can explore traditional Chinese arts and crafts; the Emperor’s Market, which offers a wide variety of food; and the “Walls of Fortune” mural-painting contest and exhibit.
The ceremonial lights-on was held at 6 p.m., officially illuminating the festival grounds.
Highlight events at the BCGC include the Lantern Dance Competition scheduled today, February 21, with a repeat performance the following day, and the Chinese Cosplay Invasion followed by Bacolaodiat Kids’ Delight on February 22. Festival-goers can also look forward to Merzci’s Siopao Eating Contest, held nightly at 9 p.m.
The festival will conclude on February 22 with closing ceremonies at 7 p.m., followed by the “Symphony of Lights and Sparks” fireworks display at 7:30 p.m.
Parallel activities are also taking place in other parts of the city. Megaworld Corporation’s The Upper East is hosting the ongoing Chinese Lantern Installation Making Contest and nightly entertainment stages. Meanwhile, SM City Bacolod features Chopsticks Alley at the Smile Strip and will hold the Lantern Dance Competition repeat performance and awarding ceremony on February 22 at 2 p.m. Ayala Malls Capitol Central will stage the Chinese Mythical Creature Costume Design Contest today, February 21, at 2 p.m.
“Bacolaodiat” is a portmanteau of “Baco” (Bacolod) and “laodiat,” a Fookien term meaning happy celebration. The festival is spearheaded by Bacolaodiat Inc., chaired by John Stephen Sy, with support from the Bacolod City Government led by Mayor Greg Gasataya.
Organizers invited the public to join the festivities and visit the official Bacolaodiat Festival Facebook page for updates./PN
