Kalibo to institutionalize the authentic tradition of the Ati-Atihan festival

KALIBO, Aklan—The municipal government of Kalibo, Aklan, is poised to institutionalize its Sto. Nino Ati-atihan Festival as the “mother of Philippine festivals” with the revival of event’s authentic tradition.

Kalibo tourism chief Rhea Rose Meren said this initiative was developed with strategic planning in collaboration with the Provincial Culture and Arts Council.

The workshop’s result was presented on Monday afternoon during the final meeting for the preparation of the opening salvo of the Ati-Atihan festival.

Earlier, Kalibo Mayor Juris Bautista-Sucro announced that this year’s Ati-atihan opening salvo would be held on Oct. 8-11.

Meren said the kick-off rites signal the official start of a series of preparations for the annual Ati-atihan Festival in January 2026.

“Among the recommendations made  is the institutionalization of practices such as the snake dancing, putting of soot all over the body of the participating tribal groups, the diana practice where a bell would be rang at 4:00 am during the feast day as a reminder to the public of the celebration,” Meren said.

These practices will be integrated through an ordinance to ensure sustainable practices in the future.

“We want to safeguard our tradition for the preservation of practices, transmission by educating these practices to the younger generation, collaboration for unity and development of the festival,” Meren said.