Bacolaodiat Festival: A Symbol of Bacolod’s Rich Cultural Harmony

February 10, 2-24

In Bacolod City, the vibrant celebration of the Bacolaodiat Festival stands as a testament to the enduring bond between the city’s residents and its Filipino-Chinese community. Marking its 19th iteration, this grand festival, which ingeniously blends the name of Bacolod with “Lao Diat,” a Fookien phrase meaning celebration, has become one of the Philippines’ most significant Chinese New Year festivities.

This year, the festival joyously returned to its original venue along North Capitol Road and Lacson Street, unfolding over three days filled with cultural showcases, traditional activities, and community spirit. Councilor Jason Villarosa, head of the local council’s Committee on Tourism, underscored the active involvement of the local Chinese-Filipino community in city life. He highlighted the Bacolaodiat Festival as a key platform for promoting their cultural heritage and contributions to the city’s vibrancy.

To further amplify this cultural showcase and its role in tourism promotion, Villarosa announced plans to propose an increase in the city government’s financial support for the festival organizers. The proposed budget would jump from PHP5 million this year to PHP10 million by 2025, aiming for an even grander celebration at more festival sites.

John Stephen Sy, chair of the Bacolaodiat Festival, expressed gratitude for the consistent support from both the city government and the community, which has been crucial in elevating the Bacolaodiat Festival to a grand cultural event. The festival’s kickoff was marked by the exhilarating Bacolaodiat Street Dance Competition, with six contingents bringing life to Lacson Streets, followed by the unveiling of the Chopsticks Alley and the Imperial Village.

A significant highlight was the midnight Dharma prayers at the FGS Yuan Thong Temple, complemented by the traditional bell-hitting ceremony to welcome the Year of the Wood Dragon. The festivities continued with the conferment of Lucio Co as the adopted son and honorary mayor of Bacolod City, a gesture underscoring the deep-rooted connections and mutual respect within the community. The festival’s spirit was further captured in the Bacolaodiat Lantern Dance Competition, showcasing the artistic talents and cultural narratives of its participants.

As the festival wrapped up, winners of the dance competitions were celebrated, embodying the collective joy and shared heritage of the Bacolod community. The Bacolod City Police Office, alongside numerous force multipliers, ensured the safety of the festivities, deploying over 500 personnel to oversee the event’s smooth operation.

Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson commended the Filipino-Chinese community for their significant role in nation-building and extended his best wishes for the new year. His message reflected the broader sentiment of appreciation and hope that resonates throughout the festival.

The Bacolaodiat Festival not only celebrates the Chinese New Year but also symbolizes the harmonious blend of cultures that enrich Bacolod City. It is a vivid reminder of the strength found in unity, the beauty of diversity, and the enduring power of community bonds in fostering peace, prosperity, and cultural appreciation. As Bacolod looks forward to more significant celebrations, the Bacolaodiat Festival remains a beacon of cultural pride and a focal point for communal harmony and progress.

For additional information and further reading, refer to the original article here.