Ati-atihan Festival is known to be the mother of all festivals. It is celebrated every 3rd Sunday of January and it is said that the crowd, pilgrims and tourists alike, continue to grow as years pass by, cited Mr. June Toriano (Information officer of LGU Kalibo). What makes this festival unique is that there is no audience, everybody is a participant. There are no specific steps to learn or a need to be part of any group, for in the ati-atihan festival, everybody is a participant. With the shouts of “Hala Bira! Viva Kay Senior Sto. Nino! Viva!” and a very enticing beat of the drums, who wouldn’t be swayed to dance along?

History of the Ati-atihan Festival

Ati-atihan started in the year 1212 when Borneans led by ten Datus crossed the sea to escape the unpopular regime of Sultan Makatunaw. Their voyage landed them in the island of Panay to establish the first community of the brown race in this country and the first union of states in Southeast Asia – the Confederation of Madyaas.

Only a few knew that the first Ati-atihan was celebrated to seal a peace pact that united two races of people – the Aetas and the Malay’s with totally different cultures and spiritual creeds.

But it is also said that the Ati-atihan festival is already being practiced even before the Borneans came. It is believed that the Aetas are fond of merry making and drinking after a day’s work. After getting drunk, they will beat whatever is in their hands (whether it be a stone or a bark of a tree), or stomp their feet until they create a rhythm, which will lead them to dance with the beat of the music they have created.

But, one thing is clear, that this tradition had survived and is being celebrated for generations. Though it has evolved in different ways, that, which started from a simple merry making, or closure to a treaty, turned into something religious, or a mere street party for others, Ati-Atihan has proven to bring people closer to their families, to their friends, their culture and their heritage, an act that brings pride to every Filipino’s heart.

Making-up an Ati

This is one of the most exciting part of the Ati-atihan Festival, to be part of a tribe as they dress up an ATI (a member of the tribe that will participate in the street dancing).

According to Mr. Leenard Cristobal, his father Lucas Cristobal, had been preparing and planning for the design and outlook of the tribe for a year. For months they have been gathering the materials to be used to accentuate the costumes. Weeks of sewing and painting took place before they can provide the participants with the complete costume.

Preparation for the street dancing started as early as 4:00am in the morning, where the members of the tribe started to line up for their make up. They used black oxide to cover the face, neck, arms and legs of the members. Why black? To return to the black complexion of the Aetas. The make up they use nowadays are very safe and washable. White make up is also used to add stripes or accent to the over all presentation. After the make-up has been dried off, its time to get on their costumes and march to the plaza accompanied with the continuous beat of the drums.

Seeing everybody covered with black oxide, it will be very awkward and out of place not to have one for yourself, so, make sure that when you attend an ati-atihan festival street dancing, dab a few strokes of paint or black oxide in your face, to really feel and enjoy the festivities and be one of them! It’s really fun!

“Try to discover Kalibo. The sight, the sound, the color, the pageantry, the faith, the spirit, the spontaneity will altogether promise a 100% unforgettable celebration of the Mother of Philippine Festivals.” – Mayor Raymar A. Rebaldo