Bacolod is the capital of the province of Negros Occidental in the Philippines and the most populous city on Negros Island. It is known for its MassKara Festival, a Mardi Gras-like parade and spectacular mix of dancing, colour and music held every October, as well as for its culinary heritage that includes inasal (a kind of roast chicken on skewers) and sweet dessert treats.
The name Bacolod is said to derive from the Hiligaynon word bakólod, meaning a hill or elevated place, referring to the original settlement on higher ground in what is now Barangay Granada. That early site later became known as Daan Banwa ("old town"). According to local accounts, the settlement was eventually moved closer to the coast, possibly in part because of raids in the area. Bacolod became the capital of Negros Occidental in 1890. In 1898 it was a focal point of the conflict between Negrense revolutionaries and the Spanish colonial authorities. The Spanish commander surrendered to Filipino forces, helping lead to the establishment of the short-lived Republic of Negros.
Most local transport within the city and to nearby towns is by jeepney, though taxis, ride-hailing services, buses, and rental cars are also available. The streets follow a rough grid in the downtown core, but become less orderly farther out. Traffic has increased with the city’s growth and is common during rush hour, especially in the early evening as commuters head home. Congestion is typically worse during the Christmas and New Year period, as well as during the MassKara Festival. Jeepneys are the common way to get around Bacolod, but the vehicles used are different from those you will see around Manila.
1 Bacolod Public Plaza, Rizal Street. The Bacolod version of Central park but smaller; fountains are scattered around the plaza and a gazebo stands in the middle. The Unknown Soldiers Monument (also known as Theodore Vinther Monument) is found here. The plaza is used for events like the MassKara Festival and for activities such as Arnis (Filipino martial arts). It is also a hub for joggers and people doing aerobics during the morning. 2 Negros Occidental Provincial Capitol, Gatuslao corner Lacson streets. The official seat of the provincial government and perhaps the most impressive building in Bacolod City. It served as the headquarters of the Japanese Imperial Army during World War II.
Bacolaodiat Festival. Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) celebrated by the Filipino-Chinese community in Bacolod. This is held in the Provincial Lagoon. Bacolaodiat is derived from the words "Bacolod" and "Laodiat"; a Hokkien word meaning "Celebration".Rows of stalls serving Chinese cuisine form "chopsticks alley". Live bands play, there are displays of Chinese culture, and a cookfest is also held. Holy Week. This religious event is held either in March or April is considered as one of the most important events in Christianity.
Bacolodnon cuisine, and Negrense cuisine more broadly, shares much with the food of nearby Panay, but has also been influenced by Negros's sugar industry. Bacolod also has many restaurants serving other cuisines, though local food remains an important part of the city's identity. In Hiligaynon, sud-an means the main dish eaten with rice, while kan-on can mean either "rice" or "to eat". Inasal — Meaning "cooked over fire", it is a local version of chicken barbecue and considered the best in the country. It is cooked with red achuete or annatto seeds (which gives its tempting reddish colouration), brushed on oil and cooked over the fire.
Bacolod's preferred beer is San Mig Light, which is served at most restaurants. You might also try Tanduay, the famous rum. For native alcohol, the local tuba is made from fermented coconut juice. 1 Goldenfield Commercial Complex has many bars, pubs, nightclubs and casinos, and is generally considered to have the best nightlife in Bacolod. A dress code is enforced in some establishments (e.g. no flipflops/slippers and no sleeveless shirts). Though not so lively at night, 2 Piazza Sorento bustles during the day with patrons of its many cafes and bars, along with jewelers, restaurants and boutiques. 3 Bar 21, 21 Lacson St. 21 Restaurant has a bar which turns into a club at night.
Bacolod is safer than Metro Manila, but petty theft can still happen. Be particularly careful in the downtown/CBD and during the MassKara Festival, when crowds make pickpocketing easier. Keep valuables out of sight, carry only what you need, and use a taxi or ride-hailing service late at night rather than walking in quiet areas. For drinking water, most travelers stick to bottled or purified water rather than the tap. Street food hygiene can vary, so choose stalls with lots of customers and food cooked to order.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Aug, Bacolod typically sees ~31°C daytime highs and 23 rainy days.
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