By Samantha Isobel Tumagan
As a new year comes, everyone desires for good things to arise. People wish for prosperity and start the year right with fun and excitement in hopes of bringing this energy up until the end of the year.
Here in Kalibo, people kickstart the year by putting up colorful banderitas that hang high all over town and bright pieces of cloth that accentuate its décor. Loud banging of drums that are accompanied by the striking of lyres can be heard from a distance. These signify that the Ati-atihan Festival is coming their way!
Being the only Philippine festival that made it to the FEST300 list, it is not unknown that the festival is not just locally-famous but world-renowned. It is a week-long celebration that usually ends on its third Sunday and is attended by people all around the globe.
Although this year's Ati-atihan has not come to fruition, it doesn't mean we can't go back to the past and look forward to what's to come. To make the most out of your future Ati-atihan experience, here are seven (7) things usually done during the festival that you should never miss out on. Do you have some precious memories of doing any of them?
Photo: Panay News
1. Join the sadsad panaad.
The sadsad panaad or street dancing parade is the main reason why people flock to the town plaza. Different groups of people wear color-coded shirts or costumes that represent their clan, school, department, or group that they belong to. They go ‘round the town plaza holding up banners and accompanied by a marching band that follows their route.
Sadsad stands for street parade while panaad means vow. People do not just join sadsad panaad for street dancing. For some, it is a way to ask for blessings in their endeavors. This is why you might encounter people saying the phrase, “Viva kay Señor Santo Niño!” (Long Live Child Jesus), to honor Santo Niño whom they praise and seek guidance from.
You can join sadsad even if you do not have a specific group to join to. Anyone can join and enjoy sadsad as long as there is a marching band. Who knows? You might find a friend from the new people you meet along the way. There are no specific movements or dance steps that you should know about before joining. As long as you are moving to the beat and immersing yourself in the rhythm, then you are all set!
Photo: Panay News
2. Look out for the Higante Parade.
The Higante Parade is one of the highlights of the festival. Locals showcase their ingenuity and culture through making towering figures made up of paper maché, bamboo, cardboard, and other indigenous materials.
Some higantes are controlled by people who go inside it to walk around town like mascots. The larger ones are put in floats and are programmed to do minimal movements. Usually, the higantes showcase a certain district’s primary source of livelihood. Some are designed as maidens dressed with colorful piña cloth and carrying the image of Santo Niño. Others are characters of folklore that their district is known for. The Atis are also prominent inspiration for making the higantes since they are the indigenous people of the province and and are significant to Ati-atihan’s origin.
Photo: When In Manila
3. Dance with the tribes.
Ati-atihan’s literal translation is “to be like the Atis.” The Atis are the reasons why we celebrate Ati-atihan Festival apart from Santo Niño de Kalibo.
The heart of a festivity is its culture. Ati-atihan Festival was believed to have originated from Bornean datus venture to Panay Island headed by Datu Puti. They traded cloth, brass basins, and a golden salakot in exchange for the Atis’ lands making them dwell on the mountains. To celebrate this pact and thank the Atis for their generosity, the datus smeared their faces with uling (black soot) and performed songs and dances that brought about a culture that is rooted from local history─ the Ati-atihan Festival.
Around 30 tribes that grace the town’s main streets are formed from different districts and municipalities in the province. Like the Bornean datus, they smear their bodies with uling and paint warrior-like lines and patterns on their faces. They also wear vibrant and intricately-designed costumes made from recyclable and indigenous materials like PET bottles, coconut husks, bamboo, tiger grass, banana leaves, rooster feathers, and shells. Some use LED light, glitter, and vibrant cloth for a modern and elevated touch.
Photo: DJ Girlie Cortes
4. Experience the Ati-atihannightlife.
The fun never stops in Ati-atihan. At night, people crowd Magsaysay Park and the town plaza to attend rave parties that feature famous OPM bands, international DJs, and local artists. Here, people can have the night of their lives and get electrified by the rhythm and intense beaming of disco lights. Get infused with the booze and party until dawn to release your festive spirit.
Photo: Rammmpa!
5. Engage in religious traditions.
Apart from all the merrymaking, there are religious traditions that contribute to Ati-atihan’s unique culture.
The opening mass follows a procession held for the devotees that roams around the major streets accompanied by a marching band.
A healing ritual is held throughout the festive week at Saint John the Baptist Cathedral. This is called paeapak which means “to step on.” During paeapak, a lay minister or volunteer rubs a small image of Señor Santo Niño on different parts of the body. It is believed to heal the body, mind, and soul.
A torch procession is held on the last day of the festival where people get to see the transfer of the image of Santo Niño. Devotees carry torches and images of Santo Niño throughout the procession that ends at the town cathedral. Here, a pilgrim mass is held and people join in solemnity of prayer for the last time.
Photo: IFRANCHISE Company - Official Page
6. Feast in its Food Fest.
After dancing around the fun-filled streets, what you need the most is something to munch on. Food festivals can be found along Magsaysay Park and Pastrana Park. There is an array of food stalls selling snacks, hearty meals, and refreshing beverages for you to enjoy the festivity around with a happy tummy. You can sit in provided tables or get it as to-go for you to carry around while you get back on your feet to have some more fun on the street.
You might also want to pay a visit at Kalibo Plaza Trade Hall to take a look at goods that are prominent in the province. Bandi and ampaw are some of the local delicacies that you should try if you still haven’t.
Photo: Culture Trip
7. Bring home a piece of Ati-atihan.
Test your bargaining skills at the local bazaar located along Veterans Avenue. Different stalls sell wallet-friendly souvenir items that you can keep as remembrance of your Ati-atihan experience. It is advised to look around first before buying at the first stall you stumble upon for cheaper finds. They sell festival shirts, mugs, shoes, jewelry, keychains, and other things that would remind you of Ati-atihan.