Ati-Atihan fest has become a favorite in Saudi Arabia

Unknown to many, the Kalibo Sto. Nino Ati-atihan Festival is being held worldwide and has become a favorite in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Mary Jane Tupas, who was recently awarded by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as Natatanging Bagong Bayani (OFW) Awardee, said that they have been celebrating the Ati-Atihan festival in Saudi freely, only without any presentations of the Sto. Nino image.

“For several years, Filipinos in Saudi are assisting us celebrate the Ati-Atihan revelry in tribal costumes, the same as those the tribal groups wear in Kalibo. We also celebrate the tradition, the same as the date that Kalibo celebrates,” she said.

The annual Sto. Nino Ati-atihan festival in Kalibo, considered as the mother of Philippine Festivals, is being celebrated usually during the third Saturday and Sunday of January.

Tupas said the Prince of Saudi allowed them to celebrate the Ati-Atihan on condition that they won’t present any religious icons because these are strictly prohibited in the Kingdom.

“We usually do it as a gathering of Filipinos abroad. We also see this as an opportunity to showcase the culture and tradition not only of our beloved Aklan province but also of the Filipinos,” Tupas, who hails from New Washington, Aklan said.

This year’s Ati-Atihan festival in Kalibo that will already be on its 796th year will have its highlight on January 19-20, 2007.

Aside from Saudi, the Ati-Atihan is also being celebrated around the world, particularly in the United States and Canada.

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