71 ati-atihan groups invade Kalibo

Jun Aguirre · Oct 25, 2019, 9:57 PM

The celebration of Kalibo’s foundation day kicks off the annual Ati-atihan festival.

The tribes will dance in the major streets of Kalibo after a short program. (Kimmy Martin)

Kalibo, Aklan- Some 71 ati-atihan groups are set to invade this town on 4 November for the opening salvo of the annual Sto. Nino Ati-atihan Festival.

The tribes will dance in the major streets of Kalibo after a short program, Apol Zaraspe, chairman of the Kalibo Sto. Nino Ati-atihan Management Council Inc. (KASAMACO) said Friday.

Every one are welcome to participate in the street dance, said Zaraspe.

The opening salvo is the official start of the series of preparation for the annual event and it also celebrates Kalibo’s foundation, according to Zaraspe.

The annual Kalibo Ati-atihan festival is held every third week of January.

“We call it a time of thanksgiving, devotion and gratitude for all the blessings we all received in honor of the child Jesus or Sto Nino,” Zaraspe said.