Devotees carry images of Santo Niño while chanting prayers and singing hymns throughout procession routes adorned with colorful banners and streamers.
Apart from religious activities, there are also numerous food stalls offering local delicacies like binakol (chicken soup cooked inside bamboo), lechon (roasted pig), pancit molo (dumpling soup), kakanin (rice cakes), and many more. These culinary delights are a testament to the rich gastronomic heritage of the region.
The Ati-Atihan Festival is not just about revelry; it also serves as an opportunity for locals to showcase their craftsmanship. Artisans display their skills in creating intricate masks, costumes, and accessories that reflect the cultural diversity of Aklan province.
Moreover, this festival has become a major economic boost for Kalibo and its surrounding areas. Local businesses thrive during this time as tourists flock to witness the grandeur of Ati-Atihan. Hotels, restaurants, souvenir shops, and transportation services all benefit from increased tourism revenue.
In conclusion, the Ati-Atihan Festival is more than just a colorful spectacle; it represents the deep-rooted community spirit that exists among Filipinos.
It showcases unity amidst diversity and highlights how faith can bring people together in celebration. This annual event not only preserves ancient traditions but also fosters economic growth within local communities. So if you ever find yourself in Kalibo during January, make sure to joinAti-Atihan Festival: The Philippines’ Grandest Street Party
The Ati-Atihan Festival is one of the most vibrant and colorful celebrations in the Philippines. Held annually in January, this grand street party attracts thousands of locals and tourists from all over the world to witness its unique blend of religious devotion, cultural heritage, and lively revelry.
Originating from the province of Aklan on Panay Island, the festival traces its roots back ati atihan festival to pre-colonial times when Malay settlers arrived in what is now known as Kalibo.
To show their gratitude for a bountiful harvest, the Malays invited the atis to join them in a feast filled with music, dance, and merriment.
Today, Ati-Atihan remains true to its origins by paying homage to both Christian traditions and indigenous culture. The festival kicks off with a novena mass dedicated to Santo Niño (the Child Jesus), followed by nine days of processions where devotees carry images of Santo Niño while chanting prayers and singing hymns. This religious aspect sets Ati-Atihan apart from other Philippine festivals like Sinulog or Dinagyang.
What truly makes Ati-Atihan stand out is its distinctive street dancing competition known as “sadsad.” Participants paint their faces black using charcoal or soot symbolizing their transformation into atis or negritos. They wear traditional Visayan attire adorned with colorful accessories made from shells, feathers, beads, and bamboo strips.
As they parade through Kalibo’s streets accompanied by drumbeats and rhythmic chants such as “Hala Bira! Pwera Pasma!” (Go ahead! No fear!), participants showcase their energetic dance moves characterized by stomping feet movements reminiscent of tribal rituals.
