Witness Bacolod City’s Symbolic Chinese New Year Festival—Bacolaodiat—As It Returns with Physical Activities

A Dazzling Grand Parade from the Megaworld’s The Upper East to the Bacolod City Government Center will open up the Bacolaodiat festivity highlights on January 20. Chinese-Pinoys (or Tsinoys) and Bacolod City officials shall also participate in the opening parade. There will also be the Ceremonial Lighting of Lanterns and Lotus, a Cultural Show, and a fireworks display called the Sparkling Symphony of Lights. The said fireworks display will be after the Cultural Show at the BCGC Grounds.

During the Bacolaodiat, the Chopsticks Alley takes you on a fun food trip at this iconic food walk and night market alley enriched with Chinese and other Asian culinary food, and of course, everyone’s favorite – Filipino street food. Bacolodnons and festival goers will also enjoy the Chopsticks Alley at the BCGC Grounds and The Upper East Megaworld. Make sure to set your alarms at 4:00 PM on January 20 and proceed as early as possible at The Upper East to launch the Imperial Village and Chopsticks Alley as part of the grand highlights of the Bacolod Chinese New Year Festival.

Another signature highlight of the Chinese New Year Festival in Bacolod City is the colorful lantern dance parade or the Lantern Street Dance Competition on January 21. Performers bedazzle the spectators with vibrant lanterns and uniquely impressive dances performed on the city’s streets. This highlight is famously associated with the Bacolaodiat Festival because it reflects harmonious Filipino and Chinese traditions.

The much-anticipated Chinese New Year Festival will also showcase the iconic Dragon and Lion Dances, more food festivals, music festivals, and live band performances. The Bacolaodiat Festival shall also feature a Zodiac Sign Parade, where the people can put on zodiac animal costumes as they walk the streets. More entertainment showcases and street dance competitions are also to be excitingly anticipated.

At 10:30 PM on January 21 or on the eve of Chinese New Year, the Dharma Prayer will start at the Yuan Thong Temple, which you might also take note of on your Lunar New Year activity list.

Bacolaodiat Inc. is also in close collaboration with Megaworld Corporation and SM City Bacolod in organizing other events, such as the awarding ceremony and performance of the Lantern Street Dance Competition winners at SM City Bacolod Mall on January 22.

The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) is also preparing the security operations to be done before, during, and after the festival. As per BCPO Director Colonel Joseph Thomas Martir, there will be 110 BCPO men also assigned to ensure security during Iloilo’s Dinagyang Festival and Kalibo’s Ati-Atihan Festival, who will oversee the Bacolaodiat Festival.

Other activities you should watch during the Bacolod Chinese New Year Festival are the Mascot Parade, Lunar Music Festival, and Falcor Marketing Corporation’s Dog Fashion Show.

Other than subscribing to your go-to lifestyle magazine, Yoorekka, you might also want to follow the official Facebook page of the Bacolaodiat Festival for more updates. (https://www.facebook.com/bacolaodiatfestivalofficial)

More Bacolod and Negros festival updates are up in the Yoorekka Magazine, so you better subscribe now!