Ati-Atihan Festival

What is the Ati-Atihan Festival?

Held annually every January at the town of Kalibo in the province of Aklan, Ati-Atihan Festival is said to be the Philippines’ local version of Mardi Gras.  

This celebration is in honor of the town’s patron saint, Santo Nino or the Infant Jesus.  Ati-Atihan can be translated to ‘making like Atis’ or imitating the aboriginals natives of Aklan.  

Those who join the festivities dress up in tribal battle finery and cover themselves with soot to darken their skins.  The streets are filled with people, and the loud sounds of drums and the shouts of what seems to be the festival’s catchphrase, ‘Hala Bira’! 

Need to Know

Ati-Atihan is a week-long festival with its culmination happening on the 3rd Sunday of January.  

Did you Know

The Ati-Atihan Festival is recognized as the Mother of All Philippine Festivals.  This is more than 800 years old and is said to be the inspiration of many other festivals in the archipelago.  

Also, the trip to the province of Aklan will surely be worth it, as it is also known worldwide for the white sand beaches of Boracay.