INVIGORATING drumbeats, enthusiastic people and booze-infused merrymaking – you will surely be bound to be one of the energized crowd marveling at the Ati-Atihan Festival.
Kicking off every year in the grandest way possible, the town of Kalibo, in the province of Aklan, hosts what is regarded as the “Mother of all Philippine Festivals” – a weeklong street party raging from sunrise to sundown, peaking on the third Sunday of January.
Locals would describe Ati-Atihan as an eclectic mix of “Catholic ritual, social activity, indigenous drama, and tourist attraction.”
This festival is dubbed as the nation’s biggest and best Mardi Gras, it most likely dates back to the days of the Borneo settlers.
More recently, Ati-Atihan was named “best carnival around the world” by an international travel website. It topped all festivals in Seeker.io.’s 2019 “Top 10 List it Best Carnivals Around the World” such as the burning of King Momo in ABC Islands; the carnival of Trinidad and Tobago and Apokreo of Patras of Greece. The website described Ati-Atihan as best for lovers of indigenous dance.
The Kalibo Sr. Sto. Nino Ati-atihan Management Council said the series of activities include the nine-day devotional novena, vigil and community visitation of the Sto. Niño de Kalibo, pilgrim mass, and procession.
Awaited activities every year are Miss Kalibo Ati-atihan 2020 Pageant; Ati-Atihan Street Dancing Contest; Higante Contest; Kapuso Night; and Car Show, among others.
For its authenticity, heritage value, real inclusive vibe & fun factor, no doubt Ati-Atihan Festival is winning at all levels./PN
