KALIBO, Aklan – The grandest cultural event in Kalibo has attracted 34 Ati-Atihan contingents for the town’s most exciting and must-go festival next year.
The Ati-Atihan contingents managed to beat the deadline for contest registration on August 9.
The vibrant festival is poised to host the best and top Ati-Atihan line-ups for the celebration of Kalibo Señor Santo Niño Ati-Atihan Festival.
One of the well-established events for its elaborate colorful costumes is the Kalibo Sadsad Ati-Atihan contest. It will transpire on January 18, 2025, Saturday.
The festival features Kalibo contingents and out-of-town tribes and groups from Numancia, Makato, Lezo, Malinao, and Ibajay competing in Tribal Big, Tribal Small, Balik Ati, and Modern Tribal categories.
Black Beauty Boys from Linabuan Norte, Kalibo is seeking to defend its title in Tribal Big category, while Kabog from Estancia, Kalibo is likely to extend its winning streak in Tribal Small category.
The reigning champion Royal Scorpio 11-19 from Poblacion, Kalibo is also determined to retain its title in Modern Tribal category.
Apo ni Inday from Calangcang, Makato town is aiming for its second consecutive title in Balik Ati category next year.
Meanwhile, the contingents will receive their first tranche of cash assistance from Kalibo Ati-Atihan Festival Board (KAFEB) and the local government unit of Kalibo, Aklan this August to subsidize their Ati-Atihan costumes.
Tribal big will get P120,000; Tribal Small, P90,000; Modern Tribal, P70,000 and Balik Ati, P60,000 subsidies for the ultimate 2025 Kalibo Sadsad Ati-Atihan contest.
Earlier, the contingents of 2025 Kalibo Sadsad Ati-Atihan contest have jointly appealed to KAFEB for the early release of their subsidy.
In their letter-appeal, the contingents from Kalibo, Ibajay, Lezo, Numancia, Malinao, and Makato pointed out the early release of Ati-Atihan subsidy will benefit them in choosing and buying the best materials and accessories for their intricate designed Ati-Atihan costumes, at least six months before they head back to the streets for the Kalibo Ati-Atihan festival./PN
