The most popular holiday in the Philippines celebrates glorious episodes of the distant past with a colorful carnival procession.
The Ati-Atihan Festival takes place in the provincial capital of Aklan, Kalibo City on Panay Island. It is dedicated to the main Philippine shrine – the figure of Santo Nino (Holy Child Jesus), brought to the islands by Magellan. The holiday originated in the XIII century, when the Malay settlers from Borneo arrived on the island of Panay. The local Negro tribe Ati not only allowed the newcomers to stay on their land, but also entered into an alliance with them, out of which grew the Philippine state.
Because of the reckless atmosphere and abundance of music, Ati-Atihan is called the “Filipino Mardi Gras.” Every year, thousands of locals gather in Calibo for a grand parade. Its participants paint their bodies and faces black as a tribute to the nobility of the island’s black natives. “Makeup” is complemented by bright festive coloring and traditional costumes with plenty of feathers. A motley crowd of celebrants marches through the center of town, dancing to ancient tribal music.
