BORACAY – Revelers and tourists in this world-famous island will celebrate the Ati-Atihan Festival next week.
The festival will gather crowds in the island’s White Beach in honor of Señor Sto. Niño on Jan. 11 to 12.
Devotees mark religious activities like novena masses which this year is being held at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Parish Church in Barangay Balabag from Jan. 3 to Jan. 11 with “hornada” and the ringing of the church bell.
On Jan. 12, the festivity will kick off with a motorcade and fluvial parade from Cagban in Barangay Manoc-Manoc to the Balabag Parish Church (Boat Station 1). This will be followed by a mass at 6 a.m. and a “High Mass” at the Barangay Balabag plaza.
Parish priest Reverend Father Jose Relente urged merrymakers to continue their devotion to Señor Sto. Niño despite having fun.
Meanwhile, the “sadsad” of various tribes will highlight the festivity in the island.
The participating groups include Din-iwid Tribe, Dumaan Tribe, Tribu Yapak, Pinaungon Tribe (Mga Inapo ni Juanito), Tribu Hagdan, and the Boracay Ati Tribal Organization in the “Balik-Ati” category with the Boracay Tumandok Tribe in the tribal category.
Groups In the modern category include Boradise, Simpleon, Martin Village, Bolabog Group, Maura’s Clan, Kanyugan, Golden Sun, Boraiders, Laking Angol, Heirs of Francisco and Ma. Christina Sacapano Zone 7 Manggayad, Boracay Island Water Company, and the Bamboo Beach Resort, among others.
A solemn procession of the images of Señor Sto. Niño and a mass on Jan. 12 will culminate the annual celebration.(With a report from Akean Forum/PN)
