This
resonant cry fills the air as the people of Kalibo (Aklan) and their
visitors – dressed in outlandish costumes and get-ups -- gyrate
through the streets in a hypnotized mass of dancing and shaking.
Feet stamping, hands clapping, bongos beating , and whistles blowing,
all cry out the rhythmic beat of the Ati-Atihan, undoubtedly
the
most fantastic fiesta in the Philippines.
Ati-Atihan is celebrated in Kalibo, Aklan, on the third Sunday of
January. It is held in honor of the Infant Jesus or Santo Niño.
It derived its name from the word Atis, the aboriginal Negritos
in the area.
Starts
with a nine-day novena. The ninth day, usually falling on the
third Saturday of September, is marked by a fluvial procession.
The image
of the Virgin Mary is carried on a barge which is trailed by thousands
of devotees in boats gliding alongside. People who line the river
banks shout “Viva la Virgen! as the Virgin passes by.
PHILIPPINES
