KALIBO, Aklan – Preparations for next year’s celebration of this capital town’s Ati-Atihan Festival are now on “full blast.”
The 2019 installment of the one of the most sought-after festivals in Western Visayas will be on Jan. 11 to 20 – the last day coinciding with the feast day of Señor Santo Niño de Kalibo.
“Volunteers never stop working and planning for Ati-Atihan in collaboration with stakeholders – all for a festival that celebrates the vibrancy, faith and culture [of Kalibo],” said Kalibo Santo Niño Ati-Atihan Foundation, Inc. chairman Albert Menez.
The festival organizing group aims for the annual celebration’s “once again great success.”
Among the activities already lined up for the 2019 Ati-Atihan are the Kaean-an sa Plasa, Ati-Atihan Street Bazaar, Hala Bira Ati-Atihan Nights, Aklan Higante Contest, Traffic Jam and Bikers Rally, Sinaot sa Calle, Mutya it Kalibo Ati-Atihan pageant, Ati-Atihan Float Parade, Battle of Mini Sounds, Todo Hataw, Kalibo Spectrum Invasion, Aklan Visual Arts Exhibit, Aklan Products Showcase, and Ati-Atihan Futsal Cup.
The major attraction for the festival is sadsad – the street dancing contest which will have the following categories: Tribal Big, Tribal Small, Balik-Ati, and modern group.
Religious activities are also lined up. These include the Paeapak, Pilgrims Mass, Pagbisita ni Santo Niño sa Baryo, Procession-Santo Niño de Kalibo, Hornada, Blessing of Children, transfer of Santo Niño de Kalibo image, dawn penitential procession, and opening and closing liturgical celebrations. (With Aklan Forum Journal/PN)
