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BACOLOD CITY - Bacolod City lights brightened up more as folks welcomed the Year of the Fire Horse on Tuesday (Feb. 17) with the start of the 21st Bacolaodiat Festival, considered among the most colorful and biggest Chinese New Year celebrations in the country.

Revelers welcomed the year with midnight prayers and the traditional striking of the drum and bell by the Fo Guang Shan Yuan Thong Temple that signaled the start of the Lunar New Year.

Visitors may still visit the temple daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. until Feb. 22.

John Stephen Sy, chair of the festival noted that the 21st year should be considered not only a celebration of culture and tradition but also a reflection of the strong support and continued growth of the event.

Organizers disclosed that “Bacolaodiat” is a contraction of “Baco” from the host city “Bacolod and “Lao Diat, which means celebration in Fookien dialect.

The Feb.20 to 22 festival is a much awaited event that assigns the Bacolod City Government Center as its main spot.

Among the attractions include the Imperial Village, Emperor’s Market, food stalls and many other areas of festivities.

Other highlights include the Lantern Dance Competition on Feb. 21, a children’s fashion show, and a Chinese Mythical Creature Costume Design Contest. The festival will end on Feb. 22 with closing rites and a fireworks display.