Conquer Asia

Processions, parades, chants, dances and merry makings. These are just some things to watch out for every January in Kalibo, Aklan Philippines.

Ati-atihan – a feast dedicated to Santo Niño celebrated second Sunday after Epiphany. The festival is considered to be the wildest among other festivities in the country. It is marked by the painting of black soot in the faces of the celebrants along with a show of bizarre costumes.

The festival’s origin dates on the 13th Century when a group of Malay datus sold some piece of lands to the inhabitants of the island known as the Atis. The datus then had a great feast to celebrate the event by painting themselves black to look like the latter.

Along the years, the Atis are still distinguished by these features – with dark skin and curly hair. Thus, Ati-Atihan is a word which means “To be like an Atu.” Along with Sinulog of Cebu, it is known to be the Mother of all Philippine Festivals.