Bacolaodiat is a three-day Chinese New Year event, a cultural festival, and a celebration of Filipino-Chinese community in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, Philippines occurring between January 21st and February 20th. It is considered one of the largest Chinese New Year celebrations in the Philippines.
The city also celebrates the MassKara Festival every October.
Etymology
Bacolaodiat is a portmanteau of the words “baco” for Bacolod and “Lao Diat” for Fookien expression for celebration.
History of Bacolaodiat
Bacolaodiat was launched within the term of Mayor Bing Leonardia in 2006. As a city-wide cultural and tourism event, it is a toast to the vibrant culture and unity of Tsinoys and Bacolodnons. Conducted through the partnership between the local government and the local Filipino-Chinese community, its activities are held generally at North Capitol Road and Lacson Street and various venues around the city.
In 2013, organizers attempted to make a Guinness Book of World Records for the longest snake dance. It was participated by a thousand students of Domingo Lacson National High School and had an entire span of 850 kilometers.
Bacolaodiat Activities
This yearly event features various activities such as religious rites held at the FGS Yuan Thong Temple, cultural presentations, programs that showcase Chinese customs and tradition that are believed to usher good luck and prosperity, street and lantern competitions, various contests, exhibits, variety shows featuring celebrities, grand parade, fireworks display, food trips featuring Chinese cuisine at the Imperial Village and the Chopsticks Alley, music festival, pet shows, and entertainment.
How to reach Bacolod City
The most convenient to reach Bacolod City is through Bacolod International Airport located in Silay City, which is over a dozen kilometers away from the city. Tickets for ferries are also available that arrive or depart at Bredco port connecting different islands in the country. Bus trips are likewise available from various points of Negros island.
References
- Nanette Guadalquiver. Bacolaodiat Festival highlights strong Filipino-Chinese cultural ties. February 9, 2024. Retrieved February 10, 2024
- Bacolaodiat Festival: Celebration of life, luck, longevity. GMA Regional TV News. February 7, 2024. Retrieved February 10, 2024
- CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO. All set for BacoLaodiat 2023. The Visayan Daily Star. January 14, 2023. Retrieved February 10, 2024
- Ian Jeffrey Addatu. Bacolod attempts for longest human snake dance. Sunstar. February 8, 2013. Retrieved February 10, 2024
- About Bacolaodiat Festival. Bacalaodiat. Retrieved February 10, 2024
Bacolaodiat Summary
Name Bacolaodiat Celebration Chinese New Year Contact (034) 432 7196 Country Philippines Date Chinese New Year Duration Three days Established 2006 Facebook web.facebook.com Location Bacolod City, Negros Occidental Organizer City Government of Bacolod, Filipino-Chinese community Twitter twitter.com Website www.bacolodcity.gov.ph
| Name | Bacolaodiat |
|---|---|
| Celebration | Chinese New Year |
| Contact | (034) 432 7196 |
| Country | Philippines |
| Date | Chinese New Year |
| Duration | Three days |
| Established | 2006 |
| web.facebook.com | |
| Location | Bacolod City, Negros Occidental |
| Organizer | City Government of Bacolod, Filipino-Chinese community |
| twitter.com | |
| Website | www.bacolodcity.gov.ph |