KALIBO, Aklan – Religious and cultural activities for next year’s Ati-Atihan Festival in this capital town are all set.
The annual celebration – dubbed as the “Mother of all Philippine Festivals” – will begin Jan. 2 and end on a three-day highlights from Jan. 18, 19 and 20.
Festival organizers have set up various activities to attract tourists to come to Kalibo for one of the most sough-after festivals in Western Visayas.
“[Next year’s] Kalibo Ati-Atihan religious and cultural festival is at its best. The testimony of faith and uniqueness of celebration sets apart the Kalibo festival from other festivals in the country,” said chairman Albert Menez of the Kalibo Sto. Niño Ati-Atihan Foundation, Inc.
“Everyone is welcome in Kalibo Ati-Atihan,” he added.
Religious activities will commence Jan. 2 with the Opening Liturgical Rites and blessing of instruments.
The traditional paeapak or pahilot services will be available the entire duration of Ati-atihan.
The “Pagbisita ag Paghatod kay Señor Sto. Niño de Kalibo” will be from Jan. 3 to 10 while the “Haead Pasaeamat,” on Jan. 14 to 17.
There will also be a dawn penitential procession, blessing of tribes, groups and bands on Jan. 19.
The Pilgrims mass, traslacion, religious procession, and closing liturgical rites are scheduled on Jan. 20.
Meanhile, leading the myriad of cultural festivities is the “Hala Bira Ati-Atihan Nights” at Magsaysay Park, from Jan. 14 to 20.
There will also be a rave party at Goding Ramos Park on Jan. 18 to 19. Dubbed as “Hydro Kalibo x Electric Fusion 4,” the event will feature Pinoy bands and international DJs.
Ati-Atihan will also offer the “best bargains” in its festival bazaar along Veterans Avenue beginning Jan. 14. Local delicacies will be featured on the same day at the “Kaean-an sa Plasa” at Pastrana Park, too.
On Jan. 11, the “Mutya it Kalibo Ati-Atihan” pageant will be staged at the Gov. Augusto B. Legaspi Sports and Cultural Center.
An exhibition of classic and modern cars and bikes will also be held at Pastrana Park on Jan. 12 and 13.
On Jan. 14, there will be a float parade that will be followed by the “Radyo Todo Aklan Battle of the Bands” at Pastrana.
The “Battle of Mini Sounds of Brigada News FM Kalibo” will be held the next day, also at Pastrana.
Other cultural activities are Sinaot sa Calle on Jan. 15 to 16, Ati-Atihan GMA TV Kapuso Night at Kalibo Pastrana Park on Jan. 16, Sadsad Street Party on Jan. 16 to 17, and the Aklan Higante Contest, Aklan Balikbayan Night and PAL Mabuhay Night on Jan. 17.
The highlight of the festival is the tribal dance competition on Jan. 19. (With a report from Aklan Forum Journal/PN)
