Bacolaodiat Festival slated Feb. 15-18

BACOLOD CITY -- The 13th Bacolaodiat Festival, this city’s celebration of the Chinese New Year, will be held on February 15 -18 in various festival sites around Bacolod.

The festival, whose name comes from “Baco” for Bacolod and “Lao Diat,” a Fookien word for celebration, will highlight the Foo Dogs as a symbol of loyalty and protection, organizers said.

Activities will be held at South Capitol Road and Lacson Tourism Strip from February 15 to 17; Bacolod City Government Center, February 17 and 18; and and Yuan Thong Temple, February 15.

The city’s Lunar New Year celebration will kick off with the traditional Dazzling Grand Parade on February 15, featuring a parade of Tsinoys in their traditional Chinese costumes, and the 12 Zodiac Floats for 2017. City officials and students of Chinese schools will also join.

A nightly fireworks display accompanied by official Bacolaodiat music, Symphony of Lights and Sparks will also cap each day of the festival.

Another popular festival feature is the Bacolaodiat Imperial Village, showcasing the Asian arts and crafts such as calligraphy, wishing tree, and palm reading.

The Chopsticks Alley is also a favorite for its Chinese food stalls and traditional cooking demos.

Other events will include cultural shows, lantern-making contest and lantern streetdance competition, corporate nights hosted by the festival sponsors, and fun activities for children.

Before the New Year, the City Council approved the PHP5-million financial assistance for the staging of the 13th Bacolaodiat Festival upon the request of Mayor Evelio Leonardia.

The partnership is formalized in a memorandum of agreement between the City Government and Bacolaodiat Inc. ratified by the City Council. (PNA)