Bacolod

Bacolod, officially the City of Bacolod (; Tagalog: [bɐˈkɔlɔd]; Hiligaynon: Dakbanwa sang Bacolod; Filipino: Lungsod ng Bacolod), is a highly urbanized city in the Negros Island Region in the Philippines. According to the 2024 census, it has a population of 624,787 people, making it the most populous city in the Negros Island Region and the second most populous city in the entire Visayas after Cebu City. It is the largest city and capital of the province of Negros Occidental where it is geographically situated and grouped under the province by the Philippine Statistics Authority, although it operates as an administratively independent city. It serves as one of the two regional centers of Negros Island Region, alongside Dumaguete, and is the core of the Bacolod metropolitan area. The city is known for the MassKara Festival, held during the third week of October, and for its nickname "The City of Smiles". The city is also famous for its local delicacies such as piaya, cansi, napoleones, and chicken inasal.