History of Ati-Atihan Festival

Ati-Atihan is..
an annual feast held every third Sunday of January in Kalibo Aklan Known as the "Mother of All Philippine Festivals", it is considered to be one of the wildest and liveliest festivals in the country. Known as the "Mother of All Philippine Festivals It has also been called the "Mardi Gras of the Philippines" for its colorful costumes and lively festival atmosphere.

History && Background

During the 13th century , a number of Malay datus from Borneo reached Panay Island through balangays Ati-Atihan was done to finalize a peace pact between the two races. A celebration was held to seal the Malays' buying of Panay Island. Unlimited food and drinks were presented to the guests by Datu Sumakwel and his community. To show their gratefulness for the natives' warm welcome the Malays painted their faces and arms with black soot to look more like their hosts.

History && Background

participants smear black body paint on their skin and wear colorful costumes as a remembrance of the pact between the Atis and the Malays. still symbolize the unity that was formed between the two distinctly different tribes. Originally, the Ati-Atihan was a pagan festival. The Ati-Atihan festival slowly became a religious festival dedicated to the Child Jesus

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