Philippines: Bacolaodiat Festival to take place in Bacolod City, Jan. 20-22

Event

The annual Bacolaodiat Festival will take place in Bacolod City Jan. 20-22. The festival's main events are as follows:

• Jan. 20: The Dazzling Grand Motorcade will commence at 16:30 from Megaworld's The Upper East to Bacolod City Government Center. Other events will also take place throughout the day.

• Jan. 21: Various events, such as competitions and performances, will occur at SM City Bacolod, Bacolod City Government Center, and Megaworld's The Upper East. A prayer ceremony will also take place at Yuan Thong Temple.

• Jan. 22: An awards ceremony and performance will take place at SM City Bacolod from 16:00.

Street closures and significant traffic disruptions are likely in downtown Bacolod City Jan. 20-22. Large crowds will likely gather to view the motorcade Jan. 20.

Authorities will likely bolster security in Bacolod City during the festival. Heightened security measures could include checkpoints, roadblocks, and patrols, particularly at transport hubs, including Bacolod–Silay Airport (BCD), event venues, shopping malls, strategic installations, and other crowded places. Increased pickpocketing and petty theft are possible in crowded areas. Authorities may also shut down mobile signals near the motorcade and parade route Jan. 20 as a security precaution.

Advice

Confirm all accommodation reservations due to high demand and possible overbooking. Consider avoiding central Bacolod City during main events unless participating in the festival. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash and other valuables in crowded areas; carefully guard belongings at BCD, ferry terminals, and other transport hubs. Prepare for severe transport disruptions in central Bacolod City.