Bacolaodiat Incorporated, the organizing group of the Bacolaodiat Festival, released the schedule of activities for the 18th edition of the festival and are ramping up preparations for the grand celebration of the Chinese New Year scheduled on Jan. 20-22 in Bacolod City.
The three-day Bacolaodiat Festival this 2023 will highlight the Year of the Rabbit which is believed to offer opportunities for contemplation, rest and nurturing of body and soul.
“We are optimistic and it is our aspiration that the comeback of the Bacolaodiat Festival this year will be more vibrant, happier and meaningful to everyone considering that we are easing out of the pandemic,” Bacolaodiat Festival Chairman John Stephen Sy said.
The festivities will kick-start on Jan. 20 with a Dazzling Grand Parade from Megaworld’s The Upper East to the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC). Tsinoys, city officials and students from Chinese schools are expected to participate in the parade.
Furthermore, the Ceremonial Lighting of Lanterns and Lotus, Cultural Show and the anticipated Sparkling Symphony of Lights (Fireworks) are to take place after the Cultural Show at the BCGC.
Festival goers and food enthusiasts are expected to troop to The Upper East at 4:00pm on Jan. 20 for the opening of the Imperial Village and the Chopsticks Alley, which will feature Chinese cuisines and Filipino street food favorites.
The Lantern Street Dance competition is scheduled on Jan. 21 and winners will be awarded on Jan. 22 at SM City Bacolod, another festival site.
The Dharma Prayer at the Yuan Thong Temple will happen at 10:30pm on Jan. 21, the eve of the Chinese New Year.
Other activities lined up that are expected to gather crowds include the Lunar Music Festival, Mascot Parade and Falcor Marketing Corporation’s Dog Fashion Show at the BCGC.
Meanwhile, organizers have also launched its official Facebook page to keep the festival goers informed and engaged about festival updates.
For more information and inquiries, the Bacolaodiat Secretariat may be reached via email: bacolaodiatfestival@yahoo.com and through its FB page https://www.facebook.com/bacolaodiatfestivalofficial.
(Source: Bacolod City Public Information Office)