Ati-Atihan Festival in Kalibo, Aklan, Philippines

Kalibo’s Ati-Atihan in Aklan is an annual festival held in honor of their patron Santo Niño every January closing on third Sunday. Considered as the wildest among Philippine festivals and deemed as the Mother of All Philippine celebrations. People paint their faces with black soot and wear bright, eccentric costumes as they dance in revelry during the festival and you can hear yells like “Hala Bira! Pwera Pasma!”. This year’s schedules are the following: See you there!

797^th Kalibo ati-atihan festival

Calendar of Activities

 SPIRITUAL STREET DANCING

1^st week to 3^rd Sunday of January 2009, Principal Streets of Kalibo

          The true spirit of Ati-atihan. An act of piety to ensure miracle for barren women to bear children, heal the body from maladies beyond medical remedy, prosperity in business or simply for fun and excitement.

9-DAY NOVENA

January 10-18, 2009, Kalibo Cathedral

         A traditional religious activity in reverence to the Sto. Niño where believers pledge vows in exchange of blessings and supplications and is gaining worldwide recognition and acceptance for its miracle of healing.

HALA BIRA ATI-ATIHAN NIGHTS

January 12-18, 2009, Magsaysay Park

           Experience an unforgettable and endless dancing and partying with the rumbling and energetic music of live bands starting in the early evening till the wee hours of the morning. Join the crowd in the almost never-ending excitement- of “snake-dancing” and enjoy the appetizing food and drinks served at kiosks in and around the park.

KAEAN-AN SA PLAZA (Food Fest)

January 12-18, 2009, 9:00a.m.-12mn, Pastrana Park

            The perfect place to re-energize yourselves.  The Food Festival at the town plaza presents fast foods and different culinary specialties from Aklanon, Filipino to international culinary cuisines.

VISUAL ART EXHIBIT

January 12-18, 2009, Museo it Akean

         Awe-inspiring paintings and sculptures created by members of the Aklan Visual Arts Association adding vibrance to the various museum pieces for your eyes to feast on.

PAGDAYAW

January 13, 2009, 2:00 p.m., Principal Streets of Kalibo

          All out Ati-Atihan street dancing for students from public and private high schools and colleges in Aklan.

 
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