Thread: Ati-Atihan Festival

The Ati-Atihan Festival is a feast held in honor of the Santo Niño held annually in January concluding on third Sunday, in the town of Kalibo, Aklan in the Philippines.

It is the wildest among Philippine fiestas and considered as the Mother of All Philippine festivals. Celebrants paint their faces with black soot and wear bright, outlandish costumes as they dance in revelry during the last three days of this two week-long festival. Catholics and non-Catholics alike observe this special day with processions, parades, dancing, and merrymaking. There is a modest range of accommodation in Kalibo: Tourists are advised to book reservations well before the Ati-Atihan.

looks like some south african event !

Originally Posted by travelgeek

looks like some south african event !

one of the inhabitants of the Philippines long ago was the Aeta group of people, they were dark-skinned in color and had curly hairs.. they practice ritual dancing also.. somehow their practices have been picked up by today's dancers and are showcased in festivals just like Ati-atihan..

Ati-atihan festival is one of my favorite festival, and many tourist attend this event! I love to watch their street dance and their colorful costume!