BACOLOD City – Preparations for the 14th Bacolaodiat Festival are underway.
The annual Bacolaodiat is a celebration to welcome the Chinese New Year in this capital city. This year, it is slated Feb. 1 to 5.
The Chinese New Year is on Feb. 5. It will be the Year of the Earth pig.
Among the highlights of the five-day celebration is Bacolaodiat Lantern Dance Competition.
As of Wednesday, eight groups have been chosen to participate, organizers said.
These are Carlos Hilado Memorial State College-Alijis, Balow Dance Group, Granadianz, Double J Full Force, Choi Force, Rustylian, Jojaju, and defending champion BMD.
Judge Rudy Reveche and Bacolaodiat Parade coordinator Kim Chauven Villaluna discussed the guidelines with the representatives of the eight competing groups.
Bacolaodiat will kick off with the traditional Dazzling Grand Parade led by the local Filipino-Chinese community and Chinese schools.
Other activities include cultural events, nightly fireworks displays and a lantern-making contest.
The Chopsticks Alley will also feature Chinese food stalls and traditional cooking demos while the Imperial Village will showcase Asian arts and crafts, such as calligraphy, wishing tree and palm reading. (With PNA/PN)
