BORACAY – Malacañang has declared Jan. 17 a special non-working holiday in Kalibo, Aklan – the home of Ati-Atihan Festival.
Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea signed Proclamation No. 884 in behalf of President Rodrigo Duterte on Jan. 10 to mark the celebration of the Ati-Atihan.
“It is but fitting and proper that the people of the Municipality of Kalibo be given full opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion with appropriate ceremonies,” the proclamation said.
Among the activities of the festival include “Paeapak or pahilot” on Jan. 2 to 19; “Pagbisita ag Paghatod kay Señor Sto. Niño de Kalibo sa Baryo” on Jan. 2 to 9; and the dawn penitential procession, the blessing of tribes and pilgrims, and the Ro Hornada on Jan. 18.
Meanwhile, a devotional novena was set on Jan. 10 to 18 while the liturgies and Sadsad around Pastrana Park was slated Jan. 2 to 12 with masses for the devotees, leading to the Feast of Señor Sto. Niño de Kalibo.
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 capital town.
A closing liturgy rite around 8 p.m. will cap the 18-day celebration.(With a report from Akean Forum/PN)
