KALIBO, Aklan – There will be no 2021 edition of the annual Ibajay Ati-Ati Festival due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
Ibajay town’s version of the world-famous Kalibo Ati-Atihan Festival in honor of Señor Sto. Niño (Holy Child Jesus) was originally scheduled on Jan. 18 to 24.
Mayor Jose Enrique Miraflores said cancelling the festival was necessary to protect residents and visitors from COVID-19.
“This is the most prudent course of action right now,” stressed Miraflores.
There will be no street performances of tribes, no Ibajay Ati-Ati Festival Queen beauty pageant, no Sinadsad sa Kalye, no float competition, no Municipal Day parade, no Department of Education Night, no Barangay Night, and no Ibajaynon Night.
The pandemic should not be taken lightly, said Miraflores.
“The festival isn’t possible because current health guidelines do not allow outdoor gatherings. The safety and health of our community need to come first. We have to obey social distancing restrictions,” he explained.
Instead of spending for the festival, the municipal government would use its funds wisely to meet the people’s needs and address the adverse impacts of COVID-19, said Miraflores.
Reverend Father Cesar Echegaray of the Parish of St. Peter the Apostle of Ibajay backed the local government’s decision to cancel the festival. He, however, said religious activities will proceed while adhering to public health safety protocols./PN
