Kalibo now ready for Ati-atihan Festival 2011

Kalibo’s Ati-atihan Festival, observed in the third week of January every year, is considered as the mother of all Philippine festivals and fiestas.

Its 2011 edition is all set to present a weeklong spectacular show next week until its culmination on January 16.

Ati-atihan Festival 2011

Kalibo Mayor William S. Lachica has announced that preparations are all set for the spectacular Kalibo Ati-atihan 2011.

Mayor Lachica said the success of this year’s Ati-atihan has been assured with the active cooperation of various organizations, particularly the Kasapi Foundation, cultural and civic organizations, the business sector, Sto. Nino religious groups and the municipal and barangay officials.

“It is heartening to note that the whole capital town’s people are enthusiastically setting up preparations to welcome guests and tourists,” the new Kalibo mayor said.

Kalibo Vice Mayor Madeline Ang Regalado disclosed that officials and members of the Kalibo Sangguniang Bayan are mobilizing all efforts to insure the success of the 2011 Kalibo Ati-atihan.

Among those expected to attend the weeklong festivities during the Kalibo Ati-atihan are members and officers of the different Aklan associations throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, the Middle East, and other countries; diplomat and cultural attaches of embassies, consulates and delegations from the different countries; journalists from various parts of the country and special guests of some Aklanons.

Dedicated to the Sto Nino (Infant Jesus), who is known to generously bless his devotees with good health and prosperity, the 2011 Kalibo Ati-atihan will feature parade of different tribal contingents with amazing colorful costumes.

Organized groups participating in the Ati-atihan receive substantial awards of recognition and cash prizes for winning its contest.

Ms. Juliet T. Melgarejo, acting head of the Municipal Economic Enterprises and Development Office (MEDO), under which the local tourism operates, said Kalibo is leaving no stone unturned to insure the success of the Ati-atihan which will redound to the economic, social and cultural enhancement of Kalibo in particular and Aklan and its people as well.

Aklan Gov. Carlito S. Marquez, for his part, has been mobilizing the resources of his office and the provincial government and has initiated the installation of lighting facilities and other needed modern amenities in this capital town to ensure the success 0f its 2011 Ati-atihan.