“Ati-Atihan” and Other Colorful Festivals in Aklan Part 2

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FESTIVALS IN AKLAN

Pina and Fiber Festival

Aklan Pina and Fiber Festival Photo From: http://www.metrokelan.com/festivals-and-fairs/aklan-pina-and-fiber-festival_i1106

Aklan is known for its Kalibo Ati-atihan Festival held every 3^rd week of January, but there’s another festival that recognizes the province’s top export — piña fiber.

Now on its 17^th year, the annual “Piña and Fiber Festival” is a 5-day to a weeklong celebration every 4^th week of April. It is simultaneously held during the founding anniversary of the province on April 25.

The festival is a showcase of Aklan’s world-class creations and products carefully crafted by Akeanons. The merchandise uses Filipino native materials such as piña fiber, abaca, sea grass, raffia, nito vine, terracotta, bamboo and other fibers. Read More: http://www.choosephilippines.com/do/festivals/4179/aklan-fiberfest-pina-fiber-festival/

Higantes Festival

Aklan Higantes Festival Photo from: http://www.kaliboatiatihan.ph/kalibo-atiatihan-new-2013/aklan-festivals-and-higantes-converge-in-kalibo.html

Giant paper mache figures commonly known as “Higantes” are familiar images in the streets during the weeklong celebration Ati-Atihan festival in Kalibo, Aklan.

The Higante Contest, is held every January 12, three days before the Kaadlawan it Kapistahan ni Senor Sto. Nino.

Aklan provincial tourism officer said the “Higantes” of different municipalities measuring 8-12 feet in height should be placed in a wheeled platform and propelled by a person to qualify for the contest. The figure must be dressed like a “Professional Ati” or “a person engaged in an occupation as a paid job which conforms to the standards and competence of a person.” The parade of towering ‘Higantes” accompanied by throngs of merrymakers starts at around 1 p.m. at the corner of Desposorio Maagma Street and Mabini Street and culminates at Kalibo Pastrana Park.

The Higantes will be judged during the parade based on relevance and adherence of the figure and design to contest theme ‘Professional Ati”, artistry, audience appeal and impact, uniqueness and creativeness. Read More: http://aklanforum.blogspot.com/2016/12/professional-ati-higantes-to-dominate.html

Kalibo Festival

Aklan Kalibo Festival Photo from: http://www.kaliboatiatihan.ph/kalibo-atiatihan-new-2016/aklan-pnp-kalibo-ati-atihan-fest-generally-peaceful.html

The Sto. Nino Ati-Atihan festival in Kalibo, Aklan is held every January 8 to 17, and draws thousands of tourists, local visitors and devotees of the Sto. Nino (Child Jesus). It is one of the reasons, together with the Boracay Beach, that put Aklan on the world map as one of the best places to go to.