AKLAN – After a two-year hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic, locals and tourists may expect a high-energy atmosphere in the street dance competition of the Kalibo Ati-Atihan Festival.
Hundreds of Ati-Atihan warriors will once again showcase their boisterous celebration.
Festivities start with the Bisperas it Kapiestahan ni Señor Sto. Niño on Jan. 14, 7:30 a.m., with music blaring from lively drummers, spontaneous street dancing, and the blessing of tribes and pilgrims.
Competing Ati-Atihan tribes, wearing their intricate and colorful costumes, will traverse nearly a mile of “Sadsad” route from The Capitol up to Kalibo Pastrana Park.
Ati-Atihan contingents come from all around Kalibo and the neighboring towns of Numancia, Makato, Banga, Lezo, Malinao, and Ibajay.
Kabog of Estancia, Kalibo, is ready to defend its crown against Tribu Bukid Tigayon and Tribu Ninolitos (Tigayon, Kalibo), Tribu Iwa-Iwa and Tribu Was-Was (Estancia, Kalibo), Tribu Responde (New Buswang, Kalibo), Tribu Tampogaling (Linabuan Norte, Kalibo), and D’Kamanggahan Tribe (Dumga, Makato) in the Tribal Small Category.
Tribal Big champion Vikings of Dumga, Makato is also looking to the upcoming challenges of multi-titled Black Beauty Boys, Tribu Linabuanon and Tribu Alibangbang (Linabuan Norte, Kalibo), Maharlika Tribe (Dumga, Makato), Pangawasan Tribe (Cayangwan, Makato), Pride of Libtong (Estancia, Kalibo) and Tribu Tiis Tiis (New Buswang, Kalibo).
As the defending champion in the Balik Ati category, Sinikway nga Ati of Calangcang, Makato, is confident of winning its second title against Tribu Anonoo (Briones, Kalibo), Tribu Maninikop (Caano, Kalibo), Tribu Naisud (Naisud, Ibajay), Malipayong Ati (San Roque, Malinao), Apo ni Inday (Calangcang, Makato) and Tribu Datu Puti of Rosario, Malinao.
The perennial champion Aeang Aeang of Laguinbanua West, Numancia, is also back to cast the Ati-Atihan magic in the Modern Tribal category against Atras Abante and La Promesa of Poblacion, Makato; Road Side of Linabuan Sur, Banga; and BlueBirds Tribe of Poblacion, Numancia.
Other Modern Tribal contingents are Bunggos 0501 (Sta. Cruz, Lezo), Bae-ot Bae-ot (Pusiw, Numancia), D’Emagine and OHM Society (Poblacion, Kalibo), Mag-Ingkampod (Poblacion, Makato) and Vendetta (Badio, Numancia).
The Kalibo Ati-Atihan Festival Board is offering a total of P3.380 million in cash prizes to the winners of the Kalibo Sadsad Ati-Atihan contest.
Tribal Big category grand winner will take home P1 million, the second placer P300,000, and the third placer P170,000.
Upcoming Kalibo Ati-Atihan festival events include the whole-day Kalibo Sadsad Ati-Atihan contest on Jan. 14; the Aklan Higante Contest and Kapuso Night on Jan. 12; and Sinaot sa Calle on Jan. 10–11.
There will be a Balik Patik Battle of Ati-Atihan Bands (Jan. 9), an Art Installations Contest (Jan. 9), the Binibini ng Kalibo Ati-Atihan Pageant (Jan. 10), an Ati-Atihan Pet Show (Jan. 10), an Individual Costume Contest (Jan. 14), Ati-Atihan Nights (Jan. 9-15), an Ati-Atihan Bazaar (Jan. 9-15), and the Kalibo Ati-Atihan Product Expo (Jan. 9-16).
Novena prayer will take place on Jan. 6 to 14, Paeapak on Jan. 6 to 15, Pagbisita ni Sto. Niño sa Barrio on Jan. 6 to 13, dawn penitential procession, blessing of tribes and pilgrims, and Hornada on Jan. 14, Pilgrims Mass, grand procession, religious and torch parade on Jan. 15.
POLICE RAMPS UP SECURITY
Around 1,585 uniformed personnel from the Police Regional Office 6 will augment the local police security for the festivities according to Aklan Police Provincial Office officer-in-charge Lieutenant Colonel Alvin Balio.
The Site Task Group for Ati-Atihan has been working closely with the Kalibo Ati-Atihan Festival Board to ensure the security and safety of tourists, devotees, and merrymakers.
Assistance desks and pedestrian screening areas will be manned by police personnel and force multipliers.
There will be inner and outer border controls and checkpoints by the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Philippine Army to avert possible threats and tighten the security.
Emergency responders and PNP civil disturbance units are on standby for critical situations and emergencies.
Kalibo deputy chief of police Captain Abdon de Mateo said they will also impose a gun ban starting today, Jan. 9, until Jan. 15./PN
