Negrenses will showcase their local culture and heritage during the 29th Panaad sa Negros Festival and seven other major festivals in six local government units (LGUs) in Negros Occidental in March.
“March 2025 is packed with cultural richness and exciting celebrations. One of the highlights is the highly-anticipated Panaad sa Negros,” the Provincial Tourism Division said in a statement yesterday.
Panaad is the Hiligaynon word for vow or promise.
Set from March 24 to 30 at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod City, the event is the province’s annual “festival of all festivals” participated by all 32 LGUs in Negros Occidental, including Bacolod City.
“This vibrant event showcases the province’s heritage through festive music, dance, artistry, beauty, and delicious local delicacies,” it added.
During the festival’s launching last Friday, February 28, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson encouraged the Negrenses to embrace the opportunity to once again showcase the best of what Negros Occidental and its people can offer.
“Enrich the Panaad historical landscape as the ‘festival of all festivals’ of the province and create lasting memories for both present and future generations,” he said.
In the north, Sagay City will celebrate the Sinigayan Festival from March 15 to 19, highlighting its marine life and agricultural resources.
Victorias City’s Kadalag-an Festival, a thanksgiving in honor of Our Lady of Victory as well as its 27th Charter Anniversary celebration, will be held from March 19 to 23.
The central Negros town of Moises Padilla, known as the livestock capital of the province, will hold the Magayon Hinuptanan Festival from March 22 to 25.
“Hinuptanan” refers to the livestock being raised by animal raisers.
Down south, Ilog town, the seafood capital of Negros Occidental, will celebrate the Kisi-Kisi Festival from March 21 to 25.
“Kisi-kisi” is a reference to the movement of fishes and other aquatic products during harvest.
Sipalay City, dubbed the “Kite Tourism Capital of the Philippines,” will hold the Burangoy Tourism Kite Festival from March 19 to 22 to promote the traditional Filipino culture by showcasing various types of kites made from biodegradable materials.
The festival’s name was derived from the words “burador” or kite, and “barongoy,” a local term for flying fish.
The Sipalayanons will also celebrate the Barongoy Fishtival on March 2 as a thanksgiving for the bountiful harvest of the flying fish.
In Himamaylan City, the Himaya Festival will be celebrated from March 31 to April 6 to honor and praise God for the abundant harvest and good life of its people. (PNA)