The Panaad sa Negros Festival returned to Negros Occidental Province on Tuesday afternoon after three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 27th edition of the "festival of all festivals" will be held from April 17 to 23 at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Barangay Mansilingan with the theme "The Promise Renewed."
"Panaad" means "vow" or "promise" in Hiligaynon.
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said during rites held at the Capitol Lagoon and Park here that Negrenses are extremely grateful that they can gather to launch the year's most anticipated event because of God's favor and grace.
In front of Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer, other provincial officials, and city and municipal mayors, the governor expressed confidence that the Panaad Festival will be "a huge success" and "mark the revival of better and brighter days" for the province and its people.
The festival's executive director, Cheryl Decena, stated that the province will provide "a week of festivities, culture, the arts, and a showcase of the very best" of Negros Occidentales.
Among the major activities at the Panaad Festival are the traditional festival dance competition and the Lin-ay Sang Negros beauty pageant, and this year, an event called the "Best of Negros Products" will be one of the highlights.
The themed pavilions of the province's 32 cities and municipalities, including the capital Bacolod City, will be displayed once more.
Each structure is designed as a replica of their own municipal or city hall or as a representation of their famous products.
