Ati-atihan in Kalibo AklanPosted: Fri/Jan/2010
Ati-atihand origins ccan be traced to 1210 when refugees from Borneo would smear their faces with soot in affectionalte immitation of the Filipino natives The island of Panay in the Visayas is where this particular detail of Philipine history took place sometime ih the late 12th or early 13th century. For centuries hence, it has been commemoratged in one specific place - in Kalibo, the capital oday of the province of Aklan. I have been to Kalibo since the late 70s just to take in this annual fiesta. And I've grown accustomed with the beating of the drums every January when I visit my best friend. In fact the drums come as early as Christmas time- faint and sporadic at first, growing louder and louder and bolder and boder as the third week of January comes along. But the beating of the drums are but the accompaniment to wild costumes and wild dancing in the streets, which builds up and climaxes into a gigantic frenzy on Saturday and Sunday and culminates in a huge procesion that lasts into the night of Sunday evening. Hala Bira - translates to keep on going because you'll need all the energy you've got if you want to take in the whole fortnight. However, in its final three days that are the most important, with the costumes locals taking to Kalibo streets in a riot fo spontaneous partying musikc and stret dancing, The locals have an unwritten rule here, come what may, you have to participate-there are no wallflowers in the ati-atihan festival. If you don't they'll make sure you do participate. Remember now< when you go to the merry beat of the drums and plunge into the dancing have the time of your life. Hala bira! |
 Blog Author: Vic Lactaoen
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Vic Lactaoen / blog / Ati-atihan in Kalibo Aklan
I miss the energy of this festival. It's among the Philippines' liveliest (and most original) feasts. The other festivals in the Philippines are either rip-offs from other countries or the tourism department's promotional tool.