The Kalibo Ati-Atihan Festival is a Philippine festival held annually in January in honor of the Santo Niño (Holy Child or Infant Jesus) in several towns of the province of Aklan, Panay Island. The biggest celebration is held during the third Sunday of January in the town of Kalibo, the province’s capital.

The festival is a colorful and vibrant celebration that combines indigenous Filipino and Spanish Catholic traditions. It is known for its lively street parades, featuring costumed dancers, musicians, and drummers. The highlight of the festival is the Sadsad, a ritualized street dance that re-enacts the meeting between the indigenous Ati people and the Malayan settlers.

The Ati-Atihan Festival is a major tourist attraction in the Philippines, and it has been recognized as one of the best festivals in the world. It is a celebration of faith, culture, and community, and it is a must-see for anyone visiting the Philippines in January.

Here are some of the highlights of the Kalibo Ati-Atihan Festival:

• The Sadsad: The Sadsad is a ritualized street dance that re-enacts the meeting between the indigenous Ati people and the Malayan settlers. It is the highlight of the festival, and it features thousands of dancers in colorful costumes, performing to the beat of drums.
• The Higantes Parade: The Higantes Parade is a parade of giant papier-mâché figures, representing different saints and heroes. It is a colorful and lively parade that takes place on the eve of the festival.
• The Mass and Procession: The Mass and Procession are religious ceremonies that take place on the day of the festival. The Mass is held in the Kalibo Cathedral, and the procession winds its way through the streets of the town.
• The Street Parties: The street parties are a major part of the Ati-Atihan Festival. They take place throughout the week of the festival, and they feature live music, dancing, and drinking.