WHAT’S rest when Ati-Atihan Festival is one of the best?
No one can put out the fire of excitement this January! Today is a holiday so it’s a puzzle to where should you unwind and stay.
Pack your bags and tag your barkadas because Kalibo beats are now shaking Panay. Few wheels to go before Sunday! We will indulge again in the vividness of one of the oldest and the best festivals in the country.
Are you ready for another Kalibo experience?
Ati-Atihan Festival, named by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts as the “Mother of All Philippine Festivals,” is an annual celebration held every third Sunday of January in Aklan’s Kalibo town in devotion to Señor Sto. Niño, the child Jesus.
The name Ati-Atihan means “to be like Atis” or “to make believe Atis,” the local name for the Aeta aborigines who first settled in Panay Island and other parts of the archipelago.
Ati-Atihan Festival inspired the creations of many other festivities including Cebu’s Sinulog Festival and Dinagyang in Iloilo. Tribal dances, music, indigenous costumes and weapons, and a parade will soon color the roads of the town.
Watch out for these activities:
“Paeapak or pahilot” started Jan. 2 up until the 19th, and a dawn penitential procession, blessing of tribes and pilgrims, the Ro Hornada and the Ati-Atihan Contest on Jan. 18. On Jan. 19, the transfer of the Sto. Niño image will highlight the morning celebration while a religious procession and torch parade of the Sto. Niño images will take place around 3 p.m. along the major streets of the town. A closing liturgy rite around 8 p.m. will cap the 18-day celebration.
Last year, we had a chance to ask some people regarding their Ati-Atihan experience. Here are some of their feedbacks:
“Ati-Atihan is so much fun. It’s different from other festivals I attended. In Ati-Atihan, you’ll never bore yourself of just sitting. The festival will make you dance.” – Rgen Pascua, Sebaste, Antique
“We joined the performers as they danced and chanted during the parade. We took pictures with the performers as well.” – Alyssa Pacheco, Patnongon, Antique
“If it’s your first time, you’ll surely be amazed. Ati-Atihan is super fun. You’ll see people drinking and dancing on the streets while chanting ‘Hala bira!’ You won’t shy away from the fun because everyone’s dancing like they don’t care. It’s wet and wild!” – Kimmy Abarro, Altavas, Aklan
So, are your bags now ready? Today is holiday and hoping Kalibo is in your top list on where to stay./PN
