Buzz
With a history of 800 years, Ati-Atihan is considered the largest, most colorful, and fascinating spring festival in the Philippines.
If you happen to be in Kalibo, the central hub of Aklan province on Panay Island, Philippines, in the third week of January, you'll get to participate in the grandest and oldest festival of the country. This is an occasion for Filipinos to honor the laughing deity, the guardian spirit for the nation. During this time, Kalibo becomes lively with colorful costumes, wild dances, and the lively beats of drums throughout the area.
The Ati-Atihan Festival traces its origins back to the 13th century when a group of Malay people migrated here. To easily assimilate with the local people with dark skin, they painted their faces black and sang and danced to express gratitude for being provided with food and land to live. Today, to preserve this ancient tradition, participants in the main parade of the festival also paint their faces and wear colorful ethnic costumes.
Although the festival lasts for a week, the highlight is the last three days from Friday to Sunday. Especially on Sunday, it is the most significant day with the procession of the laughing deity's statue from Kalibo Cathedral to the nearby Pastrana Park. This procession has become a parade that attracts a large number of participants.
Not only that, but Ati-Atihan also entices tourists with an outdoor dance competition. To participate in this competition, dancers from competing groups have to prepare for weeks before performing. Each team, consisting of 40 to 50 people, represents their local area to participate and vie for the cash prize.
However, during this period, hotels and resorts in the area are fully booked as rooms have been reserved months in advance. If you're unlucky in finding a hotel room, you can temporarily rent a guest room in the nearby local houses to rest. Another noteworthy point is that despite the grand and extended festival, there is always police ensuring security. Moreover, after participating in the festival, tourists can head to Boracay Beach, just under an hour away by car, for fun and beach activities.
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Source: Travel guide on Mytour – By Depplus
MytourJanuary 9, 2014
