Thursday, January 10, 2008

‘Unang Salvo Sa Otso’ For Kalibo Ati-atihan

By BOY RYAN ZABAL

The Ati-Atihan town of Kalibo is all set for the traditional nightly sadsad starting January 11. “Unang Salvo sa Otso”, is the opening salvo of the 796th Kalibo Señor Ati-Atihan Festival at the Kalibo Magsaysay Park. The Kalibo Ati-Atihan Management Board (KAMB) and the Aklan Police and Defense Press Corps (APDPC) jointly sponsor it. The sadsad marks the opening of the unique spiritual street dancing and merrymaking in Aklan.
Kantabataan grand finalist Boracay Republic and a popular band from Iloilo City will entertain the merrymakers and tourists.
“Thousands of revelers, devotees and visitors are expected to grace the festivities of the mother of all Philippines festivals,” said Mayor Raymar Rebaldo.
The annual festival is considered the world’s craziest and unusual religious festival, the highlights of it are week-long festival that includes: Hala Bira Ati-Atihan Nights at the Kalibo Magsaysay Park (January 11-20); Ati-Atihan products showcase at the Kalibo Pastrana Park (January 15-21); Higante Parade and Aklan Festival Showdown (January 16); Pahilot or Paeapak at St. John the Baptist Cathedral (January 16-20).
The Barter of Panay Reenactment, Mutya it Kalibo Ati-Aithan coronation night, fireworks display and the torch parade, and procession on major streets of Kalibo are all done on January 20. /MP

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