Festivals or Fiestas have become an important part of life in the Philippines' many provinces. These celebrations not only highlight local traditions, but also provide an opportunity for local residents to showcase their talents in cultural performances. Festivals also bring together residents and visitors from all over the world to celebrate life and promote local culture. The Panaad sa Negros, which began in 1993, is one such festival that everyone should attend.
Panaad, which means "promise" in Hiligaynon, is held every month of April in Bacolod City as a form of tribute and thanksgiving to divine providence. It gathers cultural performing contingents from the province's 32 cities and municipalities into one single festival, earning it the moniker "Mother of All Festivals."
Here are some reasons why you should attend the Panaad sa Negros Festival in Bacolod City next April to help you decide.
It
is the Mother of all Festivals in
Negros Occidental
All of the province's cities and municipalities take part in the Panaad sa Negros. The grand street dance competition becomes a melting pot of all the contingents performing their respective festival themes and dances during the highlight weekend. If you enjoy festivals and want to learn more about the various fiesta revelries of Negros Occidental, the Panaad sa Negros should be your one-stop shop. This is why it is known as the "Mother of All Festivals" in Negros Occidentales.
You
get to Watch Different Street Dance Choreographies
Unlike most Philippine festivals, where all performers follow nearly identical choreography, Panaad sa Negros boasts of diverse dance routines inspired by the various themes that the various contingents are attempting to showcase. As a result, watching all 32 participating municipalities perform their street dance sequences will never bore viewers.
The
Panaad Showcases the Varying Cultures of Negros Occidental
At the Panaad sa Negros, all 32 cities and municipalities bring their respective festivals or fiestas for the world to see. As a result, each group is able to demonstrate their town's culture and tradition by portraying a resemblance of the local's daily life, various traditions in practicing their faith, and even their mode of livelihood. Each will provide the audience with an insight into life in the various communities of Negros Occidentales.
Viewers
are treated to a Glittering Display of Colorful Costumes
Each city and municipality marches inside the Panaad stadium dressed in a variety of brightly colored costumes. The fine artistry involved in creating the varying glitzy costumes of the performers will undoubtedly be appreciated by the audience. It is always a magnificent sight to see all of them from the stadium stands, with each group dressed in gleaming attires with intricate designs, fabrics, and other ingenious accessories. During the Panaad sa Negros, the level of inventiveness in the crafting of the costumes of the street dance participants rises to new heights.
Each
Performance Tells an Interesting Local Tale
The Panaad sa Negros' Festival dance competition is a must-see event because of the diverse dance choreographies, cultural portrayal, and retelling of local tales. Viewing each contingent will educate the audience on other interesting local tales and parables that are still commonly told in the various cities and municipalities of Negros Occidentales.
It
is a Week-long Spectacle
What began as a three-day event in 1993 has now grown into a week-long spectacle. Around Panaad Stadium, a variety of fun events lead up to the highlight weekend. Concerts and other sporting events are available to the public on any day of the week. Booths showcasing local products from each city and municipality in Negros Occidental are built near the stadium for visitors to shop and learn about the province's many local products.
Best
of all Reasons, the Panaad gives you the best excuse to Explore Negros
Occidental
Whether you attended the entire week-long Panaad sa Negros celebration or just the highlight weekend, you can't leave without visiting the many beautiful attractions of Negros Occidental. Danjugan Island offers a quiet retreat to go along with
learning about its model program of nature conservation.
History and heritage enthusiasts will be pleased to learn that the streets of Sipalay and Talisay are lined with century-old houses that tell fascinating stories about our country's past. Silay's fine, pristine sandy beaches are up there with the best in the country. Of course, the presence of Mount Kanlaon is difficult to ignore for adventure seekers. These are just a few of the many places in Negros Occidental worth visiting after Panaad sa Negros.
The province of Negros Occidentales is well-known for its sweet surprises. When it comes to tourist attractions, it undoubtedly provides more breathtaking and exciting destinations. Culture, food, nature pots, friendly people, and more are all on their way. It's better to discover it all for yourself, and what better time to do so than during next year's Panaad Sa Negros?
This
article first appeared on Pinoy
Adventurista for whom I represented as a writer covering this event.
