KALIBO, Aklan, (PIA) --  Kalibo, the capital town of Aklan, is still celebrating its world-famous Kalibo Sto. Nino Ati-atihan Festival this year, but it will do away with street dancing or “Sadsad” to avoid the spread of COVID-19.

Dubbed as the “Mother of All Philippine Festivals”, the celebration  this third week of January 2022 will focus on other Ati-atihan-related activities instead, with some already conducted in the earlier days of the month.

Among the activities featured this year are the Exhibit of Entries of the Ati-atihan Costume Making, Pinta Ati, Suksok ni Santo Nino, Inter-Barangay Mosaic, Color My Ati, and Doll-Sized Pina Gown Design Contest, which will be viewed at the Ati-atihan Gallery, Kalibo Pastrana Civic Center; and the Virtual Launching of the Ati-atihan Jingle Contest.

The Exhibit of Entries at the Ati-atihan Gallery is open from January 11 to 17, 2022.

A virtual search for Miss Kalibo Ati-atihan Festival 2022 will also be held on January 14, 2022 in the evening with candidates coming from various barangays of the municipality.

Meanwhile, just today, January 14, the municipality conducted the Balik Patik Battle of the Ati-atihan Bands at Kalibo Magsaysay Park in the morning with Aklanon Troopers winning 1st place and getting P25,000.00 as prize; Merisi, 2nd, P15,000.00; Roadside, 3rd, P10,000.00; Aeang-Aeeang, 4th, P3,000.00; and 5th, Blue Birds, P3,000.00. 

Aside from Kalibo, there are also other towns in Aklan celebrating the feast of Senyor Santo Nino. These are the towns of Ibajay, Makato, Malinao, Altavas, and Batan. (AAL/VGV/PIA6 Aklan)