The Ati-Atihan Festival is a feast held in honor of the Santo Niño held annually in January concluding on third Sunday, in the town of Kalibo, Aklan in the Philippines. It is the wildest among Philippine fiestas and considered as the Mother of All Philippine festivals. Celebrants paint their faces with black soot and wear bright, outlandish costumes as they dance in revelry during the last three days of this two week-long festival. Catholics and non-Catholics alike observe this special day with processions, parades, dancing, and merrymaking.
The Ati-atihan Festival is a contrast to Dinagyang Festival in many aspects but both share the same essence of merry making and giving patronage to Senyor Santo Niño. Here are some pictures of the recent Ati-atihan Festival 2009 in Kalibo, Aklan:
Festival Parade during the Ati-atihan Festival 2009
Palapak at the Kalibo Church during the Ati-atihan Festival 2009
Make sure to witness and participate in next year’s Ati-atihan Festival in Kalibo, Aklan!
haha c emz man na ho… haha
Guin textan ko na siya… ulihi na lisensya.
wla bang atiatihan sa divine 2009
I was very amazed by these photos. I am designing a specialty edition high end leather bound book that is to represent the Filipino culture and I was wondering if anyone who sees this thinks the Ati-Atihan would represent it or if there is any better idea someone would like to say.