Bacolod's Bacolaodiat Festival 2026 Celebrates Cultural Harmony and Unity
The 21st Bacolaodiat Festival in Bacolod City officially commenced on February 20, 2026, at the Bacolod City Government Center, marking a vibrant celebration of Filipino-Chinese heritage and community spirit. The event, which ran from February 20 to 22, honored the Year of the Fire Horse and featured a ceremonial burning of incense led by key dignitaries.
Ceremonial Opening and Keynote Address
Mayor Greg Gasataya, former senator Ana Dominique "Nikki" Marquez-Lim Coseteng, and Bacolaodiat chair John Stephen Sy presided over the traditional lighting of incense, an ancient ritual that officially inaugurated the festivities. This symbolic act was followed by the formal opening of the Imperial Village and the ceremonial lighting of the BCGC grounds, transforming the venue into a luminous landscape of lanterns.
Marquez-Lim Coseteng, serving as the guest of honor and keynote speaker, praised the strong partnership between the private sector and the City Government of Bacolod in staging the festival. She emphasized how the Bacolaodiat Festival serves as a powerful platform for showcasing the shared values and resilient cultural fabric of the Tsinoy community.
"China is our next-door neighbor, separated only by a sea. I wish for this world to remain peaceful, sustainable, and friendly for future generations to build upon," she stated, expressing hope for flourishing relations between Filipino and Chinese communities across the Philippines.
Community Contributions and Festival Significance
Mayor Gasataya expressed deep gratitude to the Filipino-Chinese community for their invaluable contributions to Bacolod's success. "The reason for having this Bacolaodiat Festival is for us to unite, to celebrate, and to showcase Bacolod City. That is the reason why together with all the city officials we thank our Filipino-Chinese community brethren for all the support that you have been doing for Bacolod City," he said, noting the festival as a humble way to show appreciation.
John Stephen Sy, the festival chairperson, highlighted the evolution of Bacolaodiat into more than just an annual event. "Beyond its cultural depth, it has grown into one of Bacolod City’s premier tourism drivers, inviting the world to witness the warmth and hospitality that define us," he explained. Sy added that the festival fosters a sense of togetherness and cultural harmony, reinforced by activities like dragon dances and lantern parades.
The term "Bacolaodiat" is derived from "Baco" for Bacolod and "Lao Diat," a Fookien word meaning celebration, encapsulating the event's essence of communal joy.
Peaceful Conduct and Security Measures
The 2026 edition of the Bacolaodiat Festival concluded peacefully, with zero casualties and no major incidents reported across Bacolod City. Colonel Eugene Rebadomia attributed this success to heightened security measures implemented by the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO).
Strategic deployments included:
- Police assistance desks in key locations
- Foot and mobile patrols
- Area security teams to prevent untoward incidents
Rebadomia commended the dedication and professionalism of police personnel and thanked partner agencies, force multipliers, and the public for their cooperation in ensuring smooth festivities.
Notable Attendees and Cultural Impact
The event was attended by prominent figures, including:
- Vice Mayor Claudio Puentevella
- Councilors Jude Thaddeus Sayson, Roberto Rojas, and Homer Bais
- Bacolaodiat Inc. officials such as Alfredo Barcelona, Odette Ong-Gomez, Michelle Chua, Caryn Keng Seng, Karla Sayat, and Mila Ong
These participants, along with representatives from Filipino-Chinese family associations, underscored the festival's role in bridging cultural divides and promoting unity. The Bacolaodiat Festival continues to be a testament to Bacolod's rich heritage and its commitment to fostering a harmonious community for future generations.
