The 20th Bacolaodiat Festival is poised to enliven Bacolod City with a vibrant celebration of the Year of the Snake, from January 31 to February 2, 2025, seamlessly weaving together tradition, creativity, and community spirit.
During a press conference on Tuesday, January 21, organizers announced that this year’s Bacolaodiat Festival will feature exciting new events while retaining its cherished traditional highlights.
To kick off the festivities, the Temple Design Contest on January 29 at McDonald’s Upper East will showcase artistic miniature temples that creatively combine traditional Chinese elements with modern design.
Subsequently, on February 1, the Snake Emperor and Empress Costume Design Contest at Ayala Capitol Central will highlight elegant and theatrical costumes inspired by the Year of the Snake, offering a stunning visual treat for attendees.
Then, on February 2, North Capitol Road will transform into a vibrant stage for the Chinese Cosplay Invasion, where cosplayers will present a dynamic mix of Chinese folklore and contemporary designs in an imaginative parade.
Meanwhile, traditional festivities will continue to captivate audiences. Cultural performances, the lantern street and arena dance competition, and an Asian food crawl will further enrich the event, enticing both locals and tourists to immerse themselves in the city’s unique cultural showcase, organizers said.
LGU’s support
The Bacolod City Council has approved a P5 million financial assistance package for the event. Councilor Jude Thaddeus Sayson confirmed the approval of a memorandum of agreement between the city government and Bacolaodiat, Inc., with Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez formalizing the deal.
Benitez proposed a resolution to honor Hans T. Sy, a prominent business leader and philanthropist in the city, as the “Adopted Son of Bacolod City” and Honorary Mayor during the festival.
The local political leaders acknowledged Sy’s contributions to the city’s economic development and community growth, reflected in his roles as Adviser to the Board of SM Investments, Chairman of China Banking Corporation, and other leadership positions, earned him recognition supported by Bacolaodiat, Inc.’s board resolution, Bacolaodiat Incorporated’s news release said.
Bacolaodiat Festival Chair John Stephen Sy and Events Manager Zadhea Solinap led efforts to coordinate with key agencies, ensuring a safe, organized, and seamless celebration.
“We aim to deliver a safer and more successful celebration of the Bacolaodiat Festival this 2025, thanks to your help and support,” Sy said.
The festivities will unfold across 5th to 13th Lacson Streets, with North Capitol Road serving as the main festival hub. Organizers promise an exciting lineup, including cultural performances, the lantern street and arena dance competition, and an Asian food crawl, offering unique experiences for both locals and tourists, Sy added.
Year of the snake
Organizers said that this year’s festivities are anchored by a cleverly designed logo that integrates the Year of the Snake with the year 2025, featuring a stylized snake forming the number “2025.”
The snake’s red and gold patterned body, inspired by traditional Chinese art, symbolizes good fortune, prosperity, and renewal, while the red, gold, and white color scheme highlights themes of celebration, tradition, and unity, setting the tone for the event.
The Year of the Snake, the sixth sign in the Chinese zodiac, embodies wisdom, transformation, and new beginnings—perfectly aligning with Bacolaodiat’s theme of cultural pride and progress.
Known for its grace, strategic thinking, and symbolic shedding of its skin, the snake inspires reflection, balance, and growth, which the festival invites participants to embrace.
Reymund Titong is a Filipino journalist steadily building his voice in the field of news reporting, driven by a commitment to tell meaningful and relevant stories.
He serves as a correspondent for Rappler, maintains a personal blog on Medium, and is the communications officer of Hope Builders Organization Negros Island.