Negrenses will celebrate the province’s rich cultural heritage and traditions in March with the 29th Panaad sa Negros Festival and seven other major festivals across six local government units (LGUs) in Negros Occidental.
“March 2025 is packed with cultural richness and exciting celebrations. One of the highlights is the highly-anticipated Panaad sa Negros,” the Provincial Tourism Division said in a statement on Monday.
Panaad, meaning “vow” or “promise” in Hiligaynon, will run from March 24 to 30 at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod City. The festival, known as the “festival of all festivals,” will feature participants from all 32 local government units in Negros Occidental, including Bacolod City. The event is a celebration of the province’s diverse heritage, showcasing local music, dance, artistry, beauty, and cuisine.
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, speaking at the festival’s launch on Friday, encouraged Negrenses to seize the chance to highlight the best of Negros Occidental and its people. “Enrich the Panaad historical landscape as the ‘festival of all festivals’ of the province and create lasting memories for both present and future generations,” he said.
In addition to Panaad, several other festivals will take place throughout March across Negros Occidental.
In the northern part of the province, Sagay City will host the Sinigayan Festival from March 15 to 19, which celebrates its marine life and agricultural resources.
Victorias City will hold its Kadalag-an Festival from March 19 to 23, a thanksgiving event in honor of Our Lady of Victory, as well as a celebration of its 27th Charter Anniversary.
Moises Padilla, known as the livestock capital of the province, will celebrate the Magayon Hinuptanan Festival from March 22 to 25. The festival highlights the town’s livestock industry, with hinuptanan referring to the animals raised by local farmers.
Meanwhile, in the southern part of the province, Ilog town, the seafood capital of Negros Occidental, will host the Kisi-Kisi Festival from March 21 to 25. The festival celebrates the movement of fish and other aquatic products during harvest.
Sipalay City, dubbed the “Kite Tourism Capital of the Philippines,” will hold the Burangoy Tourism Kite Festival from March 19 to 22. The event will showcase traditional Filipino kites made from biodegradable materials, with its name derived from the terms burador (kite) and barongoy (flying fish). Sipalay will also celebrate the Barongoy Fishtival on March 2 as a thanksgiving for the bountiful harvest of flying fish.
In Himamaylan City, the Himaya Festival will run from March 31 to April 6, honoring God for the abundance of the town’s harvest and the good life of its people.
Together, these events offer a window into the vibrant culture and traditions of Negros Occidental, making March a truly festive month for the province.