Panaad sa Negros Festival kicks off today

BACOLOD CITY , Philippines – Now on its 20th year, the weeklong Panaad sa Negros Festival kicks off today with the pomp and pageantry that Negrenses are known for.

Annually held at the 25-hectare Panaad Park and Sports Complex in Barangay Mansilingan here, the Panaad Festival is dubbed as the “Festival of All Festivals” as it showcases the different festivals of the 13 cities and 19 municipalities of Negros Occidental.

During the opening ceremonies at 4 p.m. today, the 32 cities and towns will present their respective festivals in a dance competition at the Panaad Stadium.

The festival also features the pavilions of the cities and towns, designed as replicas of their respective municipal or city hall, or the famous produce each is known for.

These pavilions also display the unique crafts and produce, most of which are for sale, and the rich heritage, arts and culture of each place.

Another major event is the Lin-ay sang Negros (Lady of Negros) search on April 12 where the festival queens of the 32 participating local governments are competing for the crown.

“Panaad” is a Hiligaynon word for “vow and its fulfillment.” With the theme, “Panaad@20: Celebrating Negros as the Philippine Leader in Organic Agriculture,” the festival runs until April 14.

This year’s festival focuses on promoting organic agriculture as the main thrust of the provincial government, with the goal of making Negros Occidental the “Organic Food Capital of Asia.”