Tuesday, November 07, 2006

Kalibo Prepares For 2007 Ati-Atihan Fest

By Boy Ryan Zabal

The Kalibo Ati-Atihan Management Board (KAMB) and the local government of Kalibo are in the thick of preparations to ensure peaceful and orderly celebrations of next year’s Sto. Niño fest.
The Sto. Niño Kalibo Ati-Atihan Festival, slated on January 20-21, is considered the wildest among the Philippines fiestas. Locals dress in tribal costumes and blacken their faces with soot to honor the Sr. Sto. Niño or the Holy Infant Jesus.
KAMB is set to hold regular meetings with tribal and modern groups and the committees to discuss the full-swing preparations of the world-famous festival, including the security and promotions of the week-long event.
Last year, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo declared this festival the "Mother of All Festivals" when she joined thousands of revelers and devotees in Kalibo, Aklan.
"This religious festival is regarded as a premier tourist event made significant and memorable with the visit of President Arroyo last year," Mayor Raymar Rebaldo said.
As this developed, KAMB is also finalizing the appointment of former Kalibo councilor Albert Meñez as events director during its recent meeting to handle the 2007 festivities. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

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