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Bacolaodiat Festival to open on January 23

By BARBARA MIJARES, ABS-CBN News Negros | 01/07/2009 10:11 PM

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The fourth Bacolaodiat Festival is set to open in Bacolod city this January 23.

Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia said the festival features the best of Chinese and Filipino cultures.

Bacolaodiat comes from two words, Bacolod and Lao Diat which is Fookien and means celebration. The festival is set to have a symphony of lights and sparks for its opening while colorful giant lanterns made by local artists would be on display.

Leonardia said the main purpose of the festival is to encourage community participation, community awareness, community involvement and a sense of belonging.

Leonardia added the city also wants the festival to be a major tourist attraction.

The festival site for this year will be at the Capitol Shopping Center which is known as the Chinatown of Bacolod.

A Chopsticks Alley would be set up along Narra and Tindalo streets where the public could enjoy Chinese and Filipino food.

A lantern and street-dancing competition is also set to be held.

The festival will last until January 26.

The fourth Bacolaodiat Festival is organized by the City of Bacolod and Negros Tsinoy Incorporated.