What To Expect During the Ati-Atihan in Boracay

The Ati-Atihan Festival will be celebrated under new normal circumstances, held virtually with a few in-person festivities. A significant decrease in active COVID-19 cases in Aklan pushed the world-renowned festival through 2022 but without some of the signature highlight activities such as street dancing or the sadsad.

According to Kalibo’s top tourism official, not holding street dancing during the Ati-Atihan in Boracay this year serves as preventive measures against the virus’s possible spread since the country is still under a pandemic.

But, the good thing is the Ati-Atihan Festival revelries and fun continue because the festival in Boracay shall still hold events and activities that will bring joy to locals and tourists. It is expected that there will be a new normal festival celebration but will not compromise the fun and tradition. Although street dancing is scrapped from the program’s roster of events, the Ati-Atihan in Boracay shall still hold its main event, the Search for the Miss Kalibo Ati-Atihan 2022. This event highlight will be live-streamed on social media and cable TV. In replacement of the sadsad, the Boracay Festival shall be celebrated with numerous tribes competing in the annual costume-making contest and showcasing their work in the Kalibo Tourism Office’s (KTO’s) Pastrana Park gallery.

The Ati-Atihan Festival is never complete without hearing the buoyant sounds of the drums, so as of writing, the KTO is waiting for the pending approval of the limited in-person implementation of the battle of the Ati-Atihan bands from the provincial and regional Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF).

With the new normal Ati-Atihan in Boracay celebration, these activities and competitions are still set to be held as long as health protocols and safety guidelines are ensured. The following activities for the festival in Boracay are the Color My Ati Contest, Bendisyon Photo Contest, Ati-Atihan Jingle Competition, Pinta Ati Contest, Santo Nino Costume Contest, and Exhibit, and the Inter-barangay Mosaic Contest and Exhibit.

Boracay also celebrates the Ati-Atihan Festival since it has become a remarkable tourist attraction. The famous Boracay Island celebrates in one spirit along with Aklan with colorful parades, traditional and cultural costume showcase, and festive music.

The tradition, fun, music, and loud festivities of the Ati-Atihan Festival in Aklan and Boracay will always be present during the annual festival celebration. Aside from these, the festival never loses touch with its historical and religious essence: honoring Santo Niño de Kalibo, whose feast is celebrated every third Sunday of January.

To culminate the week-long event and remember the Ati-Atihan Festival’s essence, a motorcade, and caravan connected to the much-anticipated religious procession of “Karos” bearing the images of the Holy Child Jesus.

Devoted locals anticipate the Santo Niño masses, followed by a procession and rhythmic drumbeating sounds with traditional dances.

The Ati-Atihan in Boracay celebrates hope and colorful festivities despite the pandemic as locals stay vibrant in the new normal! This year, you can freely watch the Festival in Boracay at the heart of Kalibo, Aklan, to dance, jive, and honor the rich tradition and Filipino culture. Beyond the loud celebration and powerful devotion, the Boracay Festival remains a celebration of the rich heritage of Aklan. It is a celebration of the ancient town of Kalibo, paving the way to the gem of Philippine tourism, which is the world-renowned island of Boracay, and a celebration of the revered festival of Ati-Atihan in Boracay, hailed as the Mother of Philippine Festivals.

Visit Yoorekka Magazine for more travel and dining updates and guidelines in Boracay this year!