So all this talk about the Sinulog made me nostalgic about the Ati-Atihan Festival. The last time I joined the festivities was last year. Sadly, I couldn’t make it this year because I had to shoot a documentary in Cebu (thus, my presence there during the Sinulog). And so, I did the next best thing: …
I am an Aklanon. Therefore, I am convinced that the best Sto.Niño fiesta can only be experienced in my hometown of Ibajay in Aklan. I mean I thought it was the only Sto. Niño fiesta that really mattered. But going to Cebu for the Sinulog was a genuine revelation. The Sinulog is Cebu’s biggest and…
The Ati-Atihan Festival is a feast held annually in January in honor of the Santo Niño (Infant Jesus), concluding on the third Sunday, in the island and town of Kalibo, Aklan in the Philippines. The name “Ati-Atihan” means “to be like Aetas” or “make believe Ati’s.” Aetas were the primary settlers in the islands according to history books. They too are the…
Disclaimer: I am from Ibajay so this post is slightly biased. 😉 The Ati-Atihan Festival is the mother of all Philippine festivals and perhaps one of the oldest in the country. Ati-Atihan originated from Aklan but due to its success, many have created similar festivals: the Dinagyang of Iloilo, Masskara of Bacolod and Halaran of…
We interrupt the Barcelona series with this important news: my 2011 travel calendar officially begins today. Yup! I’m going home to Aklan with Hubby and my brother for a five-day holiday to visit our parents and to take part in the Ati-Atihan Festival. Ati-Atihan is the liveliest and most fun (or do you say ‘the…