Drums Start Beating for Kalibo Sto. Nino Ati-atihan Festival 2027

KALIBO, Aklan- The drums are starting to beat as preparations for the Kalibo Sto. Niño Ati-Atihan Festival 2027 gain momentum, with the official opening salvo set for November 8, 2026.
The opening salvo will mark the start of the countdown to one of the country’s most anticipated cultural and religious festivals, with Kalibo Mayor Juris Bautista-Sucro welcoming revelers and visitors who will once again converge in the Ati-Atihan town.
A major highlight of the opening salvo will be the presentation of the finalists of the Binibini ng Kalibo Ati-Atihan Festival 2027, following the screening conducted on September 26 and 27.
Carla Suner-Doromal, chair of the Binibini ng Kalibo Ati-Atihan Festival committee, said the screening of the finalists has been completed and they will be formally presented to the public during the November 8 opening salvo.
The search, she said, goes beyond beauty as the candidates are expected to embody the culture, heritage and identity of Kalibo.
For Fredilyn Kimpo, one of the judges during the screening, the ideal Binibini ng Kalibo in the age of artificial intelligence (AI) should be more than just a beauty queen.
Kimpo said the Binibini should truly be an ambassador of the Ati-Atihan town, promoting its culture and heritage while possessing the confidence and ability to connect with people.
Meanwhile, the Diocese of Kalibo has opened its Paeapak tradition to the faithful every Sunday for the first time, adding another religious dimension to the preparations for the 2027 celebration.
The Paeapak, a cherished Ati-Atihan tradition associated with devotion to the Señor Sto. Niño, gives devotees an opportunity to participate in the religious practice beyond the festival season.
With the drums beginning to sound and religious preparations already underway, Kalibo is once again gearing up to welcome devotees, revelers and visitors for the Kalibo Sto. Niño Ati-Atihan Festival 2027—a celebration where faith, culture, heritage and the vibrant spirit of the Akeanon community come together.