Bongga Ba?!

This is my first time to attend Kalibo’s Ati-atihan and my over all experience with the place is great. We would like to thank Ms Nina of RB Lodge Kalibo, Aklan and Enrico Dee of Byahilo.com for making us experience the Kalibo’s Ati-atihan Festival.

What is Ati-atihan?

Ati-atihan is a very well known and one of the oldest festival in the Philippines. Ati-atihan’s been active 200 years before the Spaniards came to the Philippines. The Ati-Atihan was originally a pagan festival from this tribe practicing Animism, and their worshiping their anito god. Spanish missionaries gradually added a Christian meaning. Today, the Ati-Atihan is celebrated as a religious festival.

Attending Ati-atihan is such an experience, lots of loud bang beats of drums, lyres and snares! No wonder you’ll dance while you walk along the parade. Many of the parade attendees drink alcoholic beverages while on the parade! Vendors even sell beers on the side.

Drunk ati-atihan devotee collapses on the side of the parade

Devotees parade their Santo Ninos during the event of Ati-atihan

Bonggang Festival Ito!

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