Bacolod Set to Celebrate 2025 Chicken Inasal Festival

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The city government is preparing for this year’s Bacolod Chicken Inasal Festival (BCIF), scheduled from May 22 to 25, a week after the May 12 midterm elections.

With the theme “Fire and Fusion,” the City of Smiles is firing up the grills once more to showcase its signature chicken inasal, fused with culinary creativity, cultural flair, and community spirit.

The festival will kick off on May 22 with the “Salubong” at The Upper East, Megaworld, featuring the Longest Inasal Grill Fest Opening Countdown.

Highlights from May 23 to 25 include the Food Tasting and Beer Pairing Opening Night, the Chicken Inasal Cook-Off (School and Barangay categories), hot sauce and sinamak making, grilling workshops, and the Chicken Inasal Awards Night.

Nightly entertainment and food festivals will also be held at SM City Bacolod, Ayala Malls Capitol Central, and The Upper East, Megaworld.

The grand culmination on May 25 will feature the BCIF Arena Dance Competition and the Roots Music Fest, blending rhythm, heritage, and flavor.

The BCIF was first held in 2018 and has featured participation from various local chicken inasal vendors.

Councilor Celia Flor, chairperson of the Committee on Market, earlier mentioned a proposal to amend City Ordinance No. 482, Series of 2009, known as the “Manokan Country Inasal Festival.”

Flor said the amendment would allow the city to schedule the BCIF in either April or May, depending on weather conditions.