(Show:
all events
within 1 month
within 3 months
past events
)
1/16/2009 - 1/17/2009Ati-Atihan Festival
Philippines
Held during the third weekend in January, Ati-Atihan is a cultural festival and one of the biggest events of the year in the Philippines. Held in Kalibo, the festival's name literally translates as "making like Atis" and refers to the black aborigines who were the original inhabitants of the province of Aklan in the Western Visayas region. The event dates back to 1212 when 10 families from Borneo arrived in Pany fleeing from religious persecution. The native Atis welcomed them and allotted them land to set up homes and live on. As a show of their enormous gratitude, the new arrivals threw a great celebration involving music, singing, dancing and food. The tradition continues to this day in much the same manner and remains one of the most colourful and lively events of the year.
Themes:
Culture
, Kids' Stuff
, Food & Drink
, History
, Spectacle
, Entertainment
, Dance
, Music
Hours: Various.
Cost: Free to spectate.
Where: Kalibo
Kalibo, Aklan, which encompasses the northwestern portion of Panay Island and within the Visayas island group
Philippines
Getting there:
Air: There are regular domestic flights to Kalibo from Manila (45 minutes) and Cebu (30 minutes).
Contact Information:
Philippines Department of Tourism
Room 207 DOT Building
TM Kalaw Street
Ermita
Manila
Philippines
Telephone: +63 (2)524 2345.
Email: ncr@tourism.gov.ph
Website: www.tourism.gov.ph
