Mark your calendar now! Head over to Kalibo Aklan as the country celebrates the much awaited festival called Ati-Atihan Festival. It is held annually in January in honor of the Santo Niño (Infant Jesus).
Ati-Atihan Festival is one of the biggest festivals in the country and considered as Philippine’s own version of Mardi gras. This big event features street dancing, floats parade and people wearing indigenous costumes and weapons.
The festival has inspired many other Philippine Festivals including the Sinulog Festival of Cebu and Dinagyang of Iloilo, both adaptations of the Kalibo Ati-Atihan Festival.
Ati-Atihan Festival 2017 Schedule of Acivities
January 9
Starting 2PM – Parade of Aklan Festival Showdown (Ecological-tourism themed costumes)
3PM- Opening of the Week long Ati-Atihan Festival
January 10
Starting 2PM-Parade of the students and teachers with a theme -Viva Sr. Sto. Nino
– Ati-Atihan Bazaar @ Veterans Avenue(8:00AM -1:00AM)(Clothing and other things)
January 11
Starting 2PM- Parade of DepEd Students with a theme “Sinaot sa Calle” (street dancing)
– Magsaysay Park Food & Party Festival @ Magsaysay Park (6PM-1:AM)
January 12
Starting 8AM & 2PM- Parade of DepEd Teachers Street Dancing “Sinot sa Kalye” Higante Contest (Parade of the Giants,Children’s favorite)
– Food Festival at Pastrana Park(offer an array of fast foods and culinary specialties)(9:00 AM-12:00MN
January 13
Starting 8AM- A whole day Ati-Atihan street dancing “Sadsad Pagpasaeamat”
– Never-ending Snake Dancing (people weaving like a snake) and Partying at Magsaysay Park (every night)
January 14 (Saturday)
Starting 7AM- Tribal, Balik-Ati & Modern and Individual Ati-Atihan Contest
-Car Show and Street Party
January 15- (Sunday)
Whole Day- Feast Day of Sto.Nino Pilgrims Mass (7AM)Religious Procession (Main Parade) (3PM)
– Photo Contest Open to all Professional and Amateur Photographer
