KALIBO, Aklan – Half of the number of tribes and groups expected to join the Sadsad Ati-Atihan of the 2019 Ati-Atihan Festival has already registered.
The deadline for registration to one of the highlights of annual celebration in honor of Señor Santo Niño is on Dec. 22.
Defending champion Tribu Bukid Tigayon of Barangay Tigayon, Kalibo is leading six other tribes from this town, Lezo and Banga in the Tribal Small category.
Other competing tribes are Tribe Triple J and Iwa-Iwa of Estancia, Kalibo; Lezo Tribe of Ibao, Lezo; and Tribu Ninolitos of Tigayon, Kalibo.
Returning tribes are Parola Tribe of Daja Norte, Banga and Libtong Boys of Estancia, Kalibo.
In the Balik Ati category, Kinantuing and Malipayong Ati of San Roque, Malinao; Apo ni Inday of Calangcang, Makato; Tribu Datu Puti of Rosario, Malinao; Tribu Anono-o of Briones, Kalibo; and Maninikop of Caano, Kalibo are joining.
As of Nov. 10 Pangawasan Tribe of Cayangwan, Makato is the lone tribe registered in the Tribal Big category, while Road Side of Linabuan Sur, Banga also registered for the Modern Group category.
A total of P1.7 million in cash is at stake for the street dancing competition, the Kalibo Santo Niño Ati-Atihan Foundation, Inc. said.
The street dancing competition was scheduled Jan. 19 during the Bisperas it Kapistahan ni Señor Santo Niño de Kalibo.
The festival organizer has started releasing the subsidies for the participating tribes and groups.
Each participant in the Tribal Big will get P60,000 while those in the Tribal Small, P45,000 each; Modern Group, P36,000 each; and Balik-Ati, P37,000 each. (With Aklan Forum Journal/PN)
