The opening of the Chinese New Year celebration in Bacolod was met with a grand Lion dance at SM City Jan. 29, alongside a preview of the grandeur to expect in the 20th edition of the Bacolaodiat Festival, happening from Jan. 31 to Feb. 2.
The Chinese-themed ambiance of the mall added to the vibrant and festive atmosphere for the entertainment and performances, with SM City Bacolod, officials of the Bacolaodiat Inc., and local government representatives setting the stage for the Year of the Wood Snake.
One of the main attractions at the opening ceremonies was the stunning 20-foot snake, surrounded by the other animal figures in the Chinese zodiac. The centerpiece serves as a symbolic representation of the zodiac sign for the year ahead.
In his speech, festival chairman John Stephen Sy said that, as a symbol of wisdom, transformation, and resilience, the snake is a reminder to embrace change, adapt, and move forward with purpose.
“Bacolod, just like the snake, continues to grow, reinvent itself, and emerge stronger year after year,” Sy said.
He added that the Filipino-Chinese community will continue to support the growth and development of Bacolod and Negros Occidental in business, culture, and the arts.
At the opening ceremonies, another crowd favorite was the traditional Lion Dance performance, brought to life by the Bacolod Filipino-Chinese of Commerce. The lions, dressed in bright red and gold, performed the energetic and symbolic dance to the rhythmic beats of accompanying drums.
This ancient tradition is believed to bring good luck and drive away evil spirits, making it a key component of Chinese New Year celebrations. The lively performance added a touch of cultural heritage to the festive mood, drawing applause from the excited crowd.
Councilor Jason Villarosa, together with Bacolaodiat Inc. board of directors, headed by Sy, and SM mall manager Julia Javellana, led the official opening of the Chinese New Year festivities with a symbolic gong-banging ceremony, a press release from the mall said.
The sound of the gong echoed through the mall’s atrium, a significant start to the Year of the Wood Snake and signaling a fresh beginning for all who gathered to celebrate.
With this exciting preview, Bacolod’s Chinese New Year festivities have truly begun, bringing together the city’s Filipino-Chinese community and visitors to celebrate culture, tradition, and good fortune for the year ahead.
The Chinese New Year opening at SM City Bacolod was an excellent way to usher in the new year, promising even more exciting activities to come as the Bacolaodiat Festival continues to unfold. ||
