“Ati-Atihan” and other Colorful Festivals in Aklan Part 4

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FESTIVALS IN AKLAN

Ati-Malakara Festival

Aklan Ati Malakara Festival Photo from: aklanforum.blogspot.com

This celebration is done every January 15 in honor of Santo Nino. It is also done to give thanks to the Almighty for the bountiful harvest showered upon the farmers during the previous year. It is the local’s way of giving thank for the peace and prosperity in their town as well. There are street dancing performances which can be witnessed. The dancers wear gorgeous costumes and masks which are made from paper mache. The masks are of different colors and of different sizes. The participants perform along the streets of Poblacion Batan and at the plaza. The celebration is started off with a holy mass which will then be followed by a parade of the tribes that are participating in the festivities. Read More: http://www.metrokelan.com/festivals-and-fairs/batan-ati-ati-malakara-festival_i9693

Altavas Sto. Nino

Aklan Altavas Sto. Nino Festival Photo from: http://thelucilaproject.blogspot.com/2012/04/santo-nino-festivals.html

This day marked the end of the Fil-American war in Altavas. Since then, January 22 is being celebrated as an Annual Thanksgiving and Armistice Day in Altavas. Later, the date was adopted as its municipal town fiesta. This is the continuation of the joyous celebration of peace when Fil-American war ended in this municipality. Read More: http://whatshappening.com.ph/event/altavas-santo-nino-festival/

Bayangan Festival

Photo from: http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EUe4PE3lWwM/Tw7pqMdnARI/AAAAAAAAHHs/_w3Nn18nUXk/s1600/bayangan%2Bfestival.jpg

Bayangan (from Aklanon word ‘Bayang’ or to potter) and Saguibin festivals were both launched last year in the towns of Lezo and Banga. Read More: http://aklanforum.blogspot.com/2012/01/mulawin-saguibin-festival-dominate-ati.html