Panaad Festival is known as "The Mother of All Festivals" in the Negros Provinces. The festival is a conglomerate of 32 separate festivals from 13 cities sand 19 towns across Negros island.
"Panaad sa Negros Festival" takes place sometime between March and April at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Barangay Mansilingan, Bacolod City where history, culture, trade, agriculture, and tourism are showcased. The first four festivals were held at the Capitol Park and Lagoon but was transferred to Panaad Park after the celebration became so large that it became necessary for Bacolod to give the festival it's own area. In 1997, the festival moved to Panaad Park and Stadium where it now calls home.
The 23nd Panaad Festival (2016 edition) will kick off during the second week of April (11-17) with sporting event competitions, including boxing.
The tradition of the Panaad Festival dates back to 1993 and is a thanksgiving celebration for the Divine Province in exchange for good life. Actually, the word "panaad" literally means "promise" in Hiligaynon, the native language of Bacolod City.
In 2008, the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines named Panaad Festival as the Best Tourism Event in the provinces.
Events during the festival include:
- A trade fair
- Livestock and dairy fair
- Festival costumes and competitions
- Floats
- Dance competitions (folk, pop, festival, Latin)
- Dog agility competition
- Athletics competitions
- Music competitions
- Eco-garden and wellness show
- Agri-fest
- Song writing and singing competitions
- Fireworks
And much more!
