KALIBO, Aklan – Thirty-four Ati-Atihan tribes will return to the streets for the 2023 Kalibo Sadsad Ati-Atihan contest.
Kabog of Kalibo, Aklan is all set to defend its crown in the Tribal Small category.
Seven tribes are also out to take Kabog’s crown. These are Tribu Ninolitos, Tribu Bukid Tigayon, Tribu Responde, Tribu Was-Was, D’Kamanggahan, Tribu Tampogaling, and Tribu Iwa-Iwa.
For the Tribal Big category, defending champion Vikings of Makato town and Black Beauty Boys of Kalibo look to continue their rivalry.
The list of returners is quite impressive, beginning with Pride of Libtong, Maharlika, Pangawasan, and Tribu Tiis-Tiis.
Tribu Alibangbang and Tribu Linabuanon in particular are also looking to challenge the crown from the champions.
Meanwhile, the defending champion Sinikway nga Ati, that is competing in Balik Ati category, will be up against Apo ni Inday, Tribu Anonoo, Tribu Maninikop, Tribu Naisud, Malipayong Ati, and Tribu Datu Puti.
Aeang-Aeang of Numancia, Aklan also prepares to defend its title in Modern Tribal category. Other modern groups to spice up the competition are La Promesa, D’Emagine, OHM Society, Atras Abante, Bae-ot Bae-ot, Mag-Ingkampod, Bluebirds Tribe, Vendetta, Road Side, and Bunggos 0501.
On Jan. 14, 2023, more than 1,500 Ati-Atihan dancers typically enlivened the streets of downtown Kalibo in pre-pandemic Ati-Atihan are expected to draw thousands of spectators for the whole-day judging.
The Kalibo Ati-Atihan Festival Board (KAFEB) through its chairman Kalibo mayor Juris Bautista Sucro also allocated P2,870,000 for Ati-Atihan contingents’ subsidy.
Tribes in Big category will receive P120,000; tribal small will get P90,000; modern tribal groups will receive P70,000; and Balik-Ati tribes will take home P60,000./PN
