Negros Occ.’s biggest festival turns 30 — here’s what’s coming

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The provincial government of Negros Occidental officially launched the 30th year of the Panaad sa Negros Festival on Friday, March 13, a month ahead of its formal opening on April 13.

Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson led the launching ceremony at the Provincial Capitol Grounds, introducing this year’s theme, “30 Years of Bringing Negrenses Together.”

The milestone edition celebrates three decades of unity, culture, and pride among Negrenses and signals the start of one of the province’s most anticipated cultural events.

Dubbed the “Festival of All Festivals,” the Panaad sa Negros Festival highlights the rich heritage, traditions, and unity of the people of Negros Occidental.

The annual celebration brings together the province’s 32 towns and cities, including Bacolod City.

The Panaad sa Negros Festival was first held in 1997 as a provincewide convergence of local festivals, cultural performances, trade fairs, and sports competitions, making it one of the longest-running multicity cultural celebrations in the Visayas.

“For this year, we gather not simply to welcome another Panaad Festival, but to celebrate a milestone,” Lacson said in his message.

“It is for this reason that the provincial government, together with our partners, is going to great lengths to make this year’s Panaad truly special—fitting for a festival that, for 30 years now, has brought Negrenses together in celebration of our heritage, our hopes, our challenges, our victories, and our shared identity as one province,” Lacson said.

The governor expressed confidence that Panaad 2026 will be a resounding success.

“More than a celebration, it will stand as a powerful reminder of what the Panaad sa Negros Festival has achieved for the past 30 years—bringing Negrenses together in shared pride, shared purpose, and a shared vision for a brighter future for our province and our people,” he said.

He also encouraged Negrenses to take the opportunity to highlight the best of the province.

“Let us embrace this opportunity to showcase the best of Negros Occidental and to create lasting memories for the present and the future generations,” Lacson added.

One of the highlights of the grand launching program was the sashing ceremony of the 32 candidates of Lin-ay Sang Negros, who will represent their respective local government units in the festival’s prestigious pageant.

Candidates of Mister Pilipinas Worldwide 2026 also attended the event, helping promote the province’s vibrant tourism, rich culture, and proud Negrense heritage.

The program also featured the unveiling of this year’s official theme and festival music and was capped with a grand fireworks display.

The provincial government has allotted PHP 50 million for this year’s staging of the festival, which is scheduled from April 13 to 19.

Among the anticipated performances are the iconic all-female group Sexbomb, legendary rock band Parokya ni Edgar, and Ben&Ben.