THE Ati-Atihan festival of Kalibo, Aklan held January every year, has surely retained its religious fervor and cultural color.
Ati-Atihan Festival director Albert Menez of the Kalibo Sto. Niño Ati-Atihan Foundation, Inc. (KASAFI) has assured their 2019 edition will be best, stressing Ati-Atihan, as a testimony of faith and culture, is uniquely apart from the country’s other festivals.
KASAFI information director Boy Ryan Zabal said “festival-goers will enjoy vibrant street dancing, sumptuous Aklanon food, best bargains, music, and lively “Hala Bira, Pwera Pasma,” chants to proclaim their reverence for Señor Sto. Niño de Kalibo from January 2 to 20.”
Menez said they have a series of festival events that will attract devotees, local and foreign tourists, and thousands of colorfully costumed merrymakers, headlined by the Hala Bira Ati-Atihan Nights (Jan. 14-20) and Hydro Kalibo x Electric Fusion 4 (Jan. 18-19) featuring Pinoy bands, internationally renowned DJs, among others.
Festival guests may also feast on best bargains at the Ati-Atihan Bazaar, sample local delicacies in ‘Kaean-an saPlasa’ (Jan. 14-20), ‘Mutya it Kalibo Ati-Atihan’ pageant (Jan. 11), public exhibition of classic and modern cars and bikes in Traffic Jam and Bikers Rally (Jan. 12-13), and ’SangKalibong Tamboe and Ati-Atihan float parade.
Rock bands will take center stage at the Pastrana Park on January 14 with their powerful performances during the Radyo Todo Aklan Battle of the Bands, followed by the Battle of Mini Sounds of Brigada News FM Kalibo on January 15.
Other cultural fares to watch are the ‘Sinaot sa Calle’ (Jan. 15-16), Ati-Atihan GMA TV Kapuso Night at Kalibo Pastrana Park (Jan. 6), Sadsad Street Party (Jan. 16-17), Aklan Higante Contest, Aklan Balikbayan Night and PAL Mabuhay Night (Jan. 17), and the Sadsad Ati-Atihan street dancing contest and grand parade on January 19 that will feature colorful Ati-Atihan tribes.
The religious activities include the Opening Liturgical Rites and blessing of instruments (Jan. 2), the traditional ‘paeapak’ or ‘pahilot’ (Jan. 2-20), Pagbisita ag Paghatod kay Señor Sto. Niño de Kalibo’ (Jan.3-10), ‘Haead Pasasamat’ (Jan.14-17), dawn penitential procession, blessing of tribes, groups, bands, Sto. Niño Images and RoHornada (Jan. 19). Pilgrims mass, translacion, religious procession and closing liturgical rites that are also expected to draw thousands of devotees.
Kudos to Kasafi, the Kalibo local government under Mayor William Lachica and the Aklan provincial government under Governor Florencio Miraflores.
A PEACEFUL AND PROSPEROUS PHILIIPPINES 2019!
