A spectacular parade of lanterns, illuminated
floats, dragons and lions opened the BacoLaodiat Festival last
February 7 ushering in the four-day celebrations to welcome the
Chinese New Year.
The Tsinoy community and their friends joined
hands in this much-awaited festival that is now on its third
year. Center of the festivities was the old Chinatown that is
more popularly known among Bocoleños as "Shopping." Young and
old alike turned out for the streetdancing, concerts and
fireworks.
Lighted markers depicting the 12 animals of
the Chinese zodiac were installed along the festival circuit.
All throughout the city, a synchronized fireworks show, the
Symphony of Sparks and Lights, erupted following the declaration
by Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia of the start of BacoLaodiat,
which will climaxed with a two-hour cultural show of dances and
songs.
All throughout the celebration, Chinese
temples were decorated and lighted up at night and each prepared
special activities, like cooking demos, displays of Chinese
paintings and calligraphy, exhibits of Chinese arts and crafts
and herbal and traditional medicines and Chinese cultural games
participated in by members of the Chinese family associations.
At Chopsticks Alley at Shopping area at 6th
Street between Lacson and Hilado streets, kiosks and rolling
carts, colorful lanterns and open-air dining tents served a wide
range of Chinese goodies and gastronomic delights.
Joining the trade activities were merchants of Chinese
delicacies and other products from Manila, Cebu and Iloilo.
