BYAHILO experiences the ultimate Streetparty in Kalibo Ati-atihan!

It was my first time to experience the kalibo Ati-atihan. The fiesta celebration is very different form the fiestas I have experienced in other towns and cities. Though the Ati-atihan is held in honor of the Santo Nino just like the Cebu sinulog and the Iloilo dinagyang festival, the way they celebrate it is very different.

Sinulog is known for the deep religiosity aspect of the festival. This is very much evident during the 9-day novena, the fluvial parade and the foot procession.

Dinagyang on the other hand, is known for the loud drum beats and the very fast and precise choreography of the tribes. And Ati-atihan is known for its crazy endless streetparties.

I arrived in Kalibo Friday afternoon, and just a few hours after I arrived, i found myself in the middle of the street dancing with the ati. I was dancing all night and got home at midnight. And it was only Day 1 of my trip.

During the second day, rain started to pour in. The ati all dressed in colorful costumes circled the major streets of Kalibo to the non stop beating of the drums. I too joined the dancing, locally known as sadsad, rain or shine.

The feeling is really different when you’re already there. It’s very hypnotic. One you started dancing, you will never notice the people beside you, and the only noise you get to hear is the music of the drums and lyre. And we’ve been dancing in the street for several hours already, and I have lost count in circling the town plaza.

The seemingly-endless partying reached its peak last Sunday. More and more tourists and locals showed up on the streets, joining the streetdance. In the afternoon, a Santo Nino procession was held. that’s when almost all of the people joined sadsad. Some would bring some booze during the procession, as part of the celebration.

The feeling is really unexplainable. You get to dance in the middle of the street leaving all the inhibitions behind, as a thanksgiving to senor Santo Nino. People would then chant “Viva Senor Santo Nino! Hala Bira Pwera Pasma!”

For four days and three nights, I did nothing in Kalibo but dance dance and dance. I danced as if there was no tomorrow.