Saturday, January 07, 2006

Aklanons Abroad Gear Up For Ati-Atihan Feast

It is all systems go for the 15th Annual Ati-Atihan Fiesta and Dance of the Filipino American community abroad as they celebrate the festival deeply rooted on religious significance in January 2006.
The Aklan Association of Sacramento and vicinity brings together the sons and daughters of Aklan from Sacramento and vicinity to celebrate a common history and affirm their identity as a people.
Ati-Atihan is one of the few rich traditional events shared and enjoyed by all Filipino generations. The “Ati-Atihan” festival, the biggest, most colorful and internationally known Mardi gras in the Philippines, is held to honor the Sto. Niño on the third week of January in Kalibo, Aklan.
The association was lauded for its active involvement in building a bridge of understanding and in strengthening the linkages among the Filipino American community in Sacramento.
Among the highlights of the event will include a holy mass, blessing of the Sto.Niño images and statues, traditional “Paeapak” of the Holy Child to devotees and guests, procession of the Sto. Niño statues and Ati-Atihan parade.
Through this event, the legacy of leadership can be transferred from the first generation immigrants to a community of second and third generations of Filipino Americans.
The festival is an occasion to share this heritage with the younger generation and therefore help promote preserve Philippine culture in California. It is also a tribute to all the officers and members of the Aklan Association of Sacramento and vicinity to bring this celebration once again.
The funds raised by the Aklan Association events will be donated to the Missionaries of Charity in New Washington, Aklan for the support of the children and sick adults who need medical attention, foods and clothes. /MP

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