Chinese New Year is the most important celebration of the traditional Chinese holidays. It is also known as Spring Festival in China.

Anywhere and every corner of the world where Chinese communities can be found celebrates the Chinese New Year with firecrackers, dragon and lion dances and is observed with religious rituals, gift giving and family gatherings (the annual reunion dinner).

In Bacolod City, the Chinese New Year celebration is made into a big event

What is Bacolaodiat Festival?

It started around the year 2005 with the proposal of the City Government to the Chinese Community of Bacolod.

The City Government aims to unite Filipinos (specifically Bacoleños) and the Chinese people, the purpose of showing to the Filipino Community that the Chinese Community in the City is a partner in business and in local industry.

From the words "Bacolod", the name of the City, and "Lao Diat", the Fookien word for celebration... Bacolaodiat is Bacolod's very own Chinese New Year Festival.

It will be marked with illuminated and colorful giant lanterns, lighted floats, fireworks, a Chinese food alley and cultural dances.

Events to look forward every Bacolaodiat
• The Dazzling Grand Parade is a colorful parade with illuminated floats, lanterns, dancing lions and dragons. Tsinoy (Chinese-Filipino) organizations will welcome the new Chinese year.
• The Chopsticks Alley is a food walk and night market with colorful booths of delicious Chinese food, arts and crafts with live band performances nightly.
• The Symphony of Lights and Sparks is a grand fireworks display synchronized with a melodious beat.
• The Cultural Shows featuring Chinese songs and dances performed by Chinese-Filipinos.
• The Lantern Dance Competition is a blend of Chinese and modern street dance competition open to all schools, barangays and towns of Negros. The different dances will be highlighted with the use of lanterns choreographed to various formations.

How to Get There:

From Manila, you can fly to Bacolod (Php2500++, round trip, 45 minutes). From Bacolod-Silay Airport, you can take a shuttle (Php75-100 per head), or a cab (minimum Php400) going to Bacolod City.

You can also go to Bacolod via ferry (estimated cost of Php2700++ with meal, round trip, 20-22 hours) from Manila.

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source: bacolaodiat.com | Bacolaodiat 2011 photos by Sir Felix Querubin