MERRYMAKING is indeed back in the streets of Kalibo, Aklan.
After a two-year hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic, Kalibo welcomes back visitors and devotees alike for the Ati-Atihan Festival – the “Mother of All Philippine Festivals”.
The Ati-Atihan is again drawing in tens of thousands of both locals and tourists as the streets of Kalibo transform into a sea of Ati-Atihan colors. The celebration – a one-of-its-kind festival in the country – is filled with good vibes for people of all ages.
This Saturday, Jan. 14, hundreds of Ati-Atihan warriors are showcasing their boisterous celebration in the Kalibo Sadsad Ati-Atihan street dance competition.
Festivities start with the Bisperas it Kapiestahan ni Señor Sto. Niño at 7:30 a.m., with music blaring from lively drummers, spontaneous street dancing, and the blessing of tribes and pilgrims.
A total of 34 Ati-Atihan tribes and groups, 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.
The Ati-Atihan contest had been taking the streets of Kalibo for the past 60 years. The first Ati-Atihan contest took place in January 1963.
Six decades ago, the grand champion’s prize was P150. This year, the Kalibo Ati-Atihan Festival Board is offering cash prizes of P3.380-million to the winners of the Kalibo Sadsad Ati-Atihan contest.
The grand winner in the Tribal Big category will take home P1 million, while the second placer will receive P300,000 and the third placer will get P170,000.
Other categories are Tribal Small, Modern Tribal and Balik Ati.
Meanwhile, the religious activities for the Feast of the Sto. Niño de Kalibo started on Jan. 6, and thousands of devotees and pilgrims are expected to gather at the St. John the Baptist Cathedral this Sunday, Jan. 15, for the closing liturgical rites “Ro Pagpasaka kay Señor Sto. Niño” at 7 p.m.
Prior to this a religious and torch parade will be held starting at 2 p.m.
These celebrations, arguably the largest religious events in the region, are generally centered in reverence to Señor Sto. Niño de Kalibo./PN
