By BOY RYAN B. ZABAL
KALIBO, Aklan — It’s final: the Ati-Atihan Festival next year will be celebrated as traditionally scheduled from Jan. 9 to 18.
Festivities will push through even with Pope Francis’ scheduled visit to the Philippines from Jan. 15 to 19, said Reverend Father Ulysses Dalida, administrator of the Diocese of Kalibo.
Pope Francis will go to areas hit by super typhoon “Yolanda” in Visayas, including Aklan.
His visit will make the Ati-Atihan Festival, a celebration in honor of the Santo Niño, more meaningful to the devotees, said Albert Menez, chair of festival organizer, Kalibo Sto. Niño Ati-Atihan Festival Foundation, Inc. (Kasafi).
Residents here pushed for the celebration even with the papal visit following reported plans to reschedule the “mother of Philippine festivals.”
Sentiments of support to hold Ati-Atihan during its traditional schedule spread over social networking sites.
“Mas mayad don nga iya imaw sa country while we are celebrating our devotion. Mas ma-appreciate na pa do atong pagtoo,” one netizen said.
“Tuloy nyo na sa dating original schedule on Jan. 9 to 18, 2015,” another said. “See you soon, mga Aklanons, in Kalibo Ati-Atihan Festival! Naka-book na kami sa airlines at hotel March 2014 pa.”
Meanwhile, a balikbayan said, “Ang hirap mag-book para lang sa dates na ito. Naka-book na kami ng flights. Naka-file na rin ng leave.”
“If ever, the pope can possibly visit Aklan and witness Ati-Atihan Festival,” the balikbayan added.
“Umagi man ro bagyo, depression, Hapon ag guerra, owa gid ha papundo ro pag kasadya naton sa adlaw ko mahae nga Santo Niño,” yet another netizen said. “Indi eon kinahangean nga i-isdog ro celebrasyon it fiesta ni Santo Niño.”
Mayor William Lachica and Vice Mayor Madeline Regalado supported the public’s call to retain the festival’s traditional schedule. (Aklan Forum Journal/PN)
