Excitement is building in Negros Occidental as the 29th edition of the Panaad sa Negros Festival gears up for a grand celebration from March 24 to 30, 2025. Recently, coordinators from all 32 cities and municipalities of the province gathered for their first coordination meeting, marking the official start of preparations for this much-anticipated event. Held at the Negros Residences in Bacolod City, the meeting was presided over by Panaad Executive Director Charina Magallanes-Tan, who emphasized the importance of collaboration to make the festival a success.
What Makes Panaad Festival Special?
Known as the “Mother of All Festivals” in Negros Occidental,
the Panaad sa Negros Festival is more than just a week of
colorful parades and lively dances. The word Panaad comes from
the Hiligaynon term meaning “vow” or “promise,” symbolizing a heartfelt
thanksgiving to Divine Providence for blessings received and a celebration of
life’s abundance.
The festival is a vibrant showcase of the province’s rich
cultural heritage, history, and economic potential. Each of the 13 cities and
19 municipalities participates by setting up themed pavilions, offering a
glimpse into their unique traditions, products, and industries. From the
dazzling Lin-ay sang Negros beauty pageant to the
electrifying Best of Festival Dances Competition, the event is a
feast for the senses.
A Journey Through Time
The Panaad sa Negros Festival has come a
long way since its humble beginnings in 1993. What started as a three-day
celebration at the Capitol Park and Lagoon has now blossomed into a weeklong
extravaganza held at the sprawling Panaad Park and Stadium in
Mansilingan, Bacolod City. The festival’s growth over the years reflects the
unity and pride of the Negrense people.
The 28th edition, held from April 15 to 21, 2024,
was a resounding success under the theme “Living the Promise.” Governor
Eugenio Jose Lacson and Ariel Querubin led the festivities, which featured the
iconic San Miguel Garden Show, the MUAD Trade Fair, and
the ever-popular Food Alley. The event generated over PHP
19 million in sales, with LGU pavilions taking the lion’s share at PHP 11.8
million.
What’s in Store for 2025?
The 29th Panaad sa Negros Festival promises
to be bigger and better. With the theme yet to be unveiled, anticipation is
already high. The festival will officially kick off on February 24,
2025, a month before the main events. Interestingly, the celebration will
coincide with the start of the campaign period for local and national
elections, adding a unique political flavor to the festivities. Governor Lacson
has even extended invitations to national candidates to join the celebration,
ensuring a dynamic and star-studded event.
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| meeting for upcoming festival |
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| meeting for upcoming festival |
A Festival of Resilience
The Panaad sa Negros Festival is not just a
celebration; it’s a testament to the resilience of the Negrense spirit. After a
hiatus in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the festival made a triumphant
return, proving that nothing can dampen the province’s commitment to honoring its
vows and celebrating its blessings.
As the coordinators return to their respective LGUs to
prepare for the 2025 festival, one thing is clear: the Panaad sa Negros
Festival is more than an event—it’s a promise kept, a vow renewed, and
a celebration of life itself.
Mark your calendars and get ready to experience the magic of
Negros Occidental’s “Mother of All Festivals”!
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