This year's Bacolaodiat Festival promises an exciting blend of cultural performances, lantern street and arena dance competitions, an Asian food crawl, and much more for both locals and tourists. The festival will take place from January 31 to February 2, celebrating the Lunar New Year with a mix of Filipino and Chinese traditions.
John Stephen Sy, president of the Bacolaodiat Festival, announced new activities for the 2025 edition. A pre-festival event will be held on January 29 at SM City Bacolod Main Atrium at 4 p.m., followed by a temple design contest at McDonald's Upper East at 6 p.m., where designers will present miniature temples blending traditional Chinese elements with modern designs.
On January 30, Hans Sy will be conferred as the adopted son and Honorary Mayor of Bacolod City.
The main festivities will kick off on January 31 at 4 p.m., with the opening of the Emperor's Market and Imperial Village on North Capitol Road, followed by a cultural show at 6 p.m. and a fireworks display at 9 p.m.
On February 1, the Snake Emperor and Empress Costume Design Contest will take place at Ayala Capitol Central at 2 p.m., showcasing designs inspired by the elegance of the Year of the Snake. At 4 p.m., there will be street dance and lantern dance competitions on Lacson Street, featuring five participating groups: Jojaju, Granadianz, Luminaries, Estefania Dance Community, and CHMSU Alijis.
The festival will conclude on February 2 with the Chinese Cosplay Invasion at North Capitol Road at 4 p.m., where cosplayers will parade in costumes inspired by Chinese folklore and pop culture.
Festival activities will be spread across Lacson Street (5th to 13th) and the main festival site at North Capitol Road.
The name “Bacolaodiat” combines “Baco” for Bacolod and “Lao Diat,” a Fookien term for celebration, symbolizing the strong bond between the city and its Filipino-Chinese community.
The Bacolod City Council has allocated P5 million in financial assistance for the 20th edition of the Bacolaodiat Festival.
