Philippines is home to plenty of festivals. In accordance to one of the President Marcos’ decrees, each town should have their own festival to promote local tourism and to boost local economy as well.  But before it has became customary in the Philippines, a Visayan festival has been observed for more than 300 years.

Held in Kalibo, Aklan in the Western region of the Visayas group of islands, it has earned the title ” Mother of All Philippine Festivals”. Ati Atihan started many traditions when it comes to Philippine festivals. The street dancing, the drumbeats and the vibrant costumes…they all started with Kalibo’s very own festival.

Its name comes from Ati which is an indigenous group living in Aklan and other part of the region. “Ati Atihan” means, “to be like an Ati” and it explains the distinct black color of the dancers – Atis are dark-skinned people with curly hair. So how did this festival happen?

The Atis used to live in the lowlands of Aklan and they give thanks to a good harvest each year through dancing and singing. When Malay settlers came to escape a tyrant datu (ruler) in their homeland, they peacefully negotiated with the Atis. They agreed in exchange of goods, that the Atis will move to the highlands while the new settlers will live in the lowland. It just happen that is was the Ati’s annual harvest thanksgiving so the new settlers covered their skin with soot to mimic the Atis and danced with them. This event marks the birth of the Ati Atihan Festival.

When Spaniards came, they befriended the locals and this includes observing their festival. The Spaniard added the religious aspect of the festivals which is what you see in its present celebrations. Ati Atihan festival goes beyond thanking for a good harvest; it is in celebration in honor of the Holy Child Jesus or the Santo Nino.

Third Sunday of the January is the feast day the Santo Nino and today people thank the Holy Infant for blessings or ask for petitions. They still dance their petitions and thanksgiving with the familiar chant ” Pit Senyor!”, ” Viva Santo Nino!”

With other festivals in the country, Ati Atihan still attracts plenty of travelers. It has successfully maintain the real essence of the celebration. Today, the festival spans for a week with street dancing of different groups known as tribus or “tribes”. Other activities include food festivals, concerts and many more.

If you want to witness the best festival, then it is a must to experience the Ati Atihan Festival.