
BORACAY Island—At least 34 groups joined this year’s Ati-Atihan festival on this famous resort island, according to the Malay Tourism Office.
Malay Mayor Frolibar Bautista said the festivity held on Sunday morning (Jan. 12) was unique because it was the only festival in the country celebrated on the beach.
Among the participating groups was a real Ati indigenous people tribe who saw action in the beach dancing parade, along with local the residents and tourists in honor of the Sto. Nino icon.

The parade usually begins at the parish to the front beach, covering about kilometers stretch,.
Bautista said the Ati=Atihan festival on Boracay began in 2012, although the maiden beach revelry was held in January 2013.
He said the festival was organized by the Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Parish and was supported by the local government.
Aside from the beach dance parade, other Boracay Ati-Atihan festivities included a food bazaar, a pilgrims’ Mass, and a fluvial parade.
The Malay police station reported that there was no untoward incident during the revelry.